Deep Dive Mock Draft 3.0: Final Edition is Here

Edition 3.0 with more scouting notes, film, and thoughts ahead of tomorrow's kickoff.

(Photo Courtesy of the Cleveland Browns)

Tomorrow is the big day, folks. We finally made it through another season of bickering, hypothetical guessing, and trying to find every avenue to make this team better. The Browns have the marquee selection tomorrow night behind the Titans and it feels like we know more about that selection than ever. Yet it doesn’t stop the intrigue about so many of the other vital selections looming throughout the weekend. They have to make this team better and there are plenty of starters out there to be had. Andrew Berry and Company have to come through this weekend in a big way.

Before we launch into our Final Edition, here is a direct link to Version 1.0 and Version 2.0 I launched earlier this month. Some names have changed, some remained. What I do know is they have a real chance to get some quality pieces and helpful depth.

One last time, I want to remind you how I do these deep dives. I don’t like ignoring simulators because then I am just picking whoever I want in perceived slots but I also don’t want to be held down by those same simulators when I can’t always make trades or react in real-time the way I would like. So, my working process here is using one of these websites (we use NFL Mock Draft Database today) and then slot up to five picks before the pick I am making to grab a prospect. It keeps ranges fair but also lets me share with you who fits best inside that range.

We don’t move move out of the second overall pick as just about every quote out of Berea signals this one is a lock. However, we have some trades coming later. Nothing too crazy, but the type to give a little and get a little. Join me for our final mock of the long draft season and get ready for a weekend of fun.

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LUBBOCK, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 09: Travis Hunter #12 of the Colorado Buffaloes runs with the ball during the second half of the game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Jones AT&T Stadium on November 09, 2024 in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images)

Pick No. 2: (JR) Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado

2024 Production: 96 receptions, 1,258 yards, 15 touchdowns, 35 tackles, 16 PDs, 4 INTs

Age: 21.4 (9-2-2003)

Size: 6-0, 188lbs, 31 1/8” Arms, 76 7/8” Wingspan

Role: Dynamic Scheme-Versatile WR with CB Ability

Notes: I just won’t be changing this spot despite a growing annoyance of fear for the player’s safety or easing expectations. I think Hunter is the best receiver and cornerback in the class and we can sort out the details as we go. So, again, not moving off this spot. Here are the notes from early April.

“Hunter is a dynamic, yet unfinished product, at wide receiver. He has room to grow in the nuances of the position, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t already come into the fold with elite hands, ball tracking, twitch, and body control. Simply put he plays larger than his 6” height and the wing spans helps him make extraordinary outside-of-frame catches. He also has positional diversity playing mostly from the slot in 2023 and then as Colorado’s “X” receiver in 2024 on the outside.

There is no doubt Hunter will want to play full time on both sides of the ball when he arrives and the Browns might allow it, we’ll see. Personally, I envision Hunter being a “Dime” role defender on defense who can come into specific defensive personnel groupings that want to get creative in pressure packages and put man coverage stress on offenses. I envision 10-15 of those snaps with the ability to increase or fluctuate week-over-week with game planning. The Browns are on of the more simple coverage scheme defenses with their man-heavy approach and that should allow Hunter to be less involved in drastic time spent in the DB room game-planning and be placed into “less thinking, more playing” roles on defense.

Another big draw for me is the personality and character. While Abdul Carter is a deeply talented player he does carry risks outlined by several scouts and NFL leadership. It’s not likely to break him as a prospect but it’s more of what the Browns don’t need in their locker room given what we have learned about other veteran “leaders” of late. Hunter is a two-time Academic All-American who is committed to the process and takes his studies and personal life/brand very seriously. I envision him as the type of magnetic personality the team needs and the type of “Thermostat Leader” the Browns need more of in the coming years.”

Others Considered: EDGE Abdul Carter (Penn State)