The Cleveland Browns have done their due diligence on multiple quarterbacks during the pre-draft process.
They’ve reportedly kept tabs on Shedeur Sanders, Jalen Milroe, Jaxson Dart, and Tyler Shough, knowing that Cam Ward is a long shot to be available at No. 2.
However, most reports state that they’re likely to take Travis Hunter with their first-round pick.
So, unless they find a way to trade back up to the first round, their chances of getting Sanders are slim at best.
With that in mind, ESPN Cleveland host Tony Rizzo warned Andrew Berry about passing on Sanders.
Talking on “The Really Big Show,” Rizzo said that he hopes Sanders doesn’t turn out to be as good as he thinks he’s going to be and that the Browns get things right with whoever they get at quarterback.
“If Sanders turns out to be the quarterback that I think he’s going to be, and whoever you want to draft doesn’t, it’s not going to be a good time for you in this town. I’m telling you. I’m digging it on this one,” Rizzo said.
Rizzo called out the Browns and local media for all the nitpicking about Sanders.
There have been multiple reports about his brash attitude, his lack of athleticism, subpar arm talent, and seemingly low ceiling, so it’s easy to understand why the Browns might not want to take him with such a valuable pick.
Then again, he’s also the second-highest-ranked quarterback prospect in this class, and given the team’s pressing need for a franchise quarterback, there’s also a case to be made for taking him, even if Hunter looks like a generational prospect.
This isn’t an easy decision to make, and only time will tell who was right.
The Cleveland Browns have been thorough in their evaluation process for the 2025 NFL Draft, casting a wide net that includes quarterback prospects and defensive standouts.
Cleveland’s front office has conducted an impressive series of private workouts and dinners with five quarterback prospects: Cam Ward, Shedeur Sanders, Jaxson Dart, Jalen Milroe and Tyler Shough.
The Browns also have shown significant interest in two-way star Travis Hunter and edge rusher Abdul Carter.
Amid swirling rumors about their intentions, general manager Andrew Berry recently addressed the situation head-on.
“We have not made a hard decision on how we’ll use the No. 2 pick. … We like a lot of guys,” Berry said, via Kelsey Russo of The Athletic.
#Browns GM Andrew Berry: "We have not made a hard decision on how we'll use the No. 2 pick. […] We like a lot of guys."
— Kelsey Russo (@kelseyyrusso) April 17, 2025
While the Browns may be leaning in a particular direction internally, Berry is exercising patience with the process.
He has emphasized their intention to utilize every available moment before finalizing their strategy, which remains flexible depending on what happens with the No. 1 overall selection by the Tennessee Titans.
Yet, Cleveland’s focus on the quarterback class has been unmistakable.
Its depth chart currently features Joe Flacco, who rejoined the team as a free agent, and Kenny Pickett, who arrived in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles this offseason.
Neither represents a long-term solution at the position.
Despite that, Hunter reportedly has gained momentum as a serious consideration for the Browns’ first-round pick.
The quarterback position naturally commands the most attention in any draft discussion, but the Browns maintain they’re prioritizing overall talent acquisition above all else.
They’re focused on identifying prospects who can make meaningful contributions, regardless of position, while avoiding pre-draft hype or overthinking their evaluation process.
