The Jaguars trading up to select Travis Hunter at No. 2 was one of the biggest moves in this year’s NFL Draft. Widely considered a generational talent, Hunter’s selection raised eyebrows not just for where he landed, but for who let him go.
The Browns, originally holding the No. 2 pick, ended up selecting Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham at No. 5. Which makes one wonder: why would Cleveland pass on “the best player in the draft,” as GM Andrew Berry himself described Hunter?
Strategic Pivot Sparked by Trade Talk
According to Browns GM Andrew Berry, the idea of moving down in the draft began taking shape when the Jaguars GM James Gladstone approached him during the NFL owners meeting. That conversation, Berry explained, opened up several possibilities for the franchise.
Speaking on NFL on CBS, Berry noted, “Coming off a disappointing year… we were due for a little bit of a strategic pivot.”
Holding the No. 2 pick gave them three distinct paths forward. One, they could target a young quarterback to potentially reset the franchise’s trajectory. Two, they could select the top non-QB prospect in the draft (Travis Hunter), and in Berry’s own words, “the best player in the draft.”
Or third, they could explore what teams like the Eagles and Lions have done in recent years: trade down, draft a high-impact player slightly later, and use the acquired capital to build depth and flexibility over multiple seasons.
A Calculated Bet on Long-Term Gains
The Browns ultimately chose sustainability over star power. While passing on a generational talent like Travis Hunter raised questions, GM Andrew Berry made it clear the decision was part of a broader, forward-thinking strategy.
“We felt like that was a real meaningful opportunity for us to… really kind of replenish the resources that we have, build the team over this year, next year,” Berry explained.
Rather than going for the flashiest move, Cleveland embraced a team-building model proven successful by franchises like Philadelphia and Detroit. Trading down from No. 2 allowed them to secure Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham, an elite talent in his own right, while also acquiring multiple draft picks that could help fortify the roster for years to come.
It wasn’t a decision made lightly, but one rooted in long-term planning and roster flexibility. Berry and his team believe building depth across both sides of the ball is the key to lasting success. In passing on “the best player in the draft,” they didn’t fold. They doubled down on their vision.
Also Read: Terrell Owens Predicts a DPOY Season For Rookie Travis Hunter After Jaguars Training Footage Goes Viral
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