As the 2025 NFL Draft looms ever closer, franchises across the league are finalizing their scouting reports and recalibrating their strategies. The newest 2025 NFL Mock Draft 2.0 has already sent waves through the fanbase, with the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants making some bold and potentially game-changing moves.
Table of Contents
In this updated projection, Travis Hunter—the electric two-way standout from Colorado—is predicted to go No. 2 overall to the Browns. Meanwhile, the Giants are projected to grab Abdul Carter, the dynamic edge rusher from Penn State, at No. 3 overall. Let’s dive deeper into what these picks mean and why they’re commanding national attention.
Travis Hunter to Cleveland: A Rare Talent with Two-Way Brilliance
The Browns are making a statement with this pick. Travis Hunter isn’t just a college standout—he’s a generational talent. Since transferring to Colorado and teaming up with Deion Sanders, Hunter has showcased his rare ability to dominate on both sides of the ball. As a cornerback and wide receiver, he’s stunned fans and analysts with elite-level athleticism, field vision, and playmaking instincts.
Why Cleveland Wants Him: Cleveland has long sought a franchise player who can shift momentum in an instant. Hunter provides that and more. His ability to start on both offense and defense means the Browns would get two impact players in one draft pick. For a team that’s consistently trying to compete in the tough AFC North, this level of versatility could be the X-factor.
NFL Comp: Think Champ Bailey’s shutdown defense mixed with DeSean Jackson’s offensive explosiveness—Hunter is the hybrid every coach dreams of.
Giants Lock In Abdul Carter: A Future Pass-Rushing Nightmare
At No. 3, the Giants are taking the smart and aggressive route by selecting Abdul Carter, the explosive edge rusher from Penn State. With NFL-ready size, speed, and instincts, Carter has been tearing through Big Ten offensive lines, and scouts believe he could make an immediate impact on Sundays.
Why New York Needs Him: The Giants’ defense has pieces—Kayvon Thibodeaux, Brian Burns, and a promising secondary—but it needs a relentless motor on the edge. Carter brings just that. His presence would give New York a terrifying pass-rush duo and could revive the kind of defensive dominance the Giants were known for in the Eli Manning era.
NFL Comp: Micah Parsons 2.0? The parallels are hard to ignore. Both came out of Penn State, both play with a chip on their shoulder, and both bring heat from the edge like few others.
A Brief Look at the Draft Landscape
While Hunter and Carter are making headlines, the top of the 2025 draft class is loaded. Names like Shedeur Sanders, Carson Beck, and Emeka Egbuka are all in play for teams looking to build around skill and upside. But this particular mock draft shows that Cleveland and New York are prioritizing foundational pieces—players who can change the tone of an entire franchise.
Historical Significance of These Picks
This wouldn’t be the first time the Browns or Giants made bold top-5 selections. From Baker Mayfield in 2018 to Saquon Barkley in the same year, both franchises have seen varying results. What separates 2025 from past drafts is the athletic ceiling and positional versatility of talents like Hunter and Carter.
This draft isn’t about playing it safe—it’s about swinging big. And these two picks? Home run swings with MVP-level potential.
Final Take: Big Bets, Bigger Payoffs
The Browns and Giants are leaning into explosive potential over conservative picks. Travis Hunter’s rare two-way ability gives Cleveland an edge that few teams can match. Abdul Carter’s pass-rushing dominance could anchor New York’s defense for the next decade.
If these projections hold true, fans of both franchises should be buzzing. The 2025 NFL Draft is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory, and it’s clear that both teams are ready to roll the dice—and possibly, reshape their future.