Giants To Host RB Omarion Hampton; Latest On Team’s First-Round Plans
Adding a rookie quarterback is certainly on the table for the Giants; with Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston on the books, though, the team has increasingly been seen as situated to avoid a signal-caller with the No. 3 pick. Signs continue to point in that direction. 
Provided the Titans follow through with selecting Cam Ward first overall, the Browns will be left with their choice of top prospects Travis Hunter and Abdul Carter. Whichever member of that pair remains available when New York is on the clock will no doubt receive strong consideration, especially if general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll do not view Shedeur Sanders as being worth a top-three pick.
The Browns have previously been linked to heavy Carter interest, but more recently Hunter has emerged as the favorite to go second overall. Part of determining the Heisman winner’s NFL landing spot will of course be the evaluation of his position at the pro level, and the Giants – who may have shifted their view on that front – are firmly in play to draft him. A move up the board to accomplish that may be on the table.
Sports Illustratred’s Albert Breer writes either Hunter or Carter are likely headed to the Giants later this month, with the team positioned to take a best player available approach at the top of the board. Selecting the latter would add to an edge rush group already featuring Kayvon Thibodeaux and Brian Burns, making for what could be a less immediate path to playing time for the Penn State standout. By contrast, Hunter could fill a void at receiver and/or cornerback.
New York’s WR group is headlined by Malik Nabers and includes veteran re-signee Darius Slayton, but room exists for a complementary option. Hunter could meet that requirement on offense, or if deployed on defense he could join a CB depth chart featuring free agent addition Paulson Adebo. 2023 first-rounder Deonte Banks has not developed as hoped, and Hunter could compete for a starting spot right away opposite Adebo on the perimeter. Depending on how the Browns’ evaluations shake out, Breer adds a trade up to the second slot could be in play which would ensure the Giants’ ability to add Hunter.
In other draft news concerning the team, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports Omarion Hampton is visiting today. The North Carolina product is widely seen as the second best member of a very strong running back class and is firmly on the first-round radar. New York’s post-Saquon Barkley era saw veteran Devin Singletary and fifth-round rookie Tyrone Tracy split time in the backfield. Both of them are under contract for next year, but adding further at the RB position could be under consideration.
Barring a move well down the Day 1 order, though, Hampton is unlikely to be in New York’s range. The second-team All-American can likely be projected to hear his name called sometime in the 20s, Breer predicts (video link). A Hampton selection prior to that could be in the cards, although it would still represent a surprise if the Giants were to find themselves as a serious suitor.
Browns Conduct Second Abdul Carter Meeting; DE To Wrap Visits With Giants, Pats
APRIL 7: Carter had breakfast with Daboll yesterday, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Carter’s Giants visit will take place on Thursday, he adds. With momentum building for Hunter to be taken second overall by the Browns, New York and New England remain teams to watch closely on this front.
MARCH 28: Abdul Carter will not go through an extensive pre-draft tour. The Penn State prospect expects to be drafted in the top four, and he will cut off access beyond those teams.
Already meeting with the Browns, the standout edge rusher circled back with the team holding the No. 2 overall pick by dining with team brass Thursday night, ESPN’s Adam Schefter tweets. This meeting included owner Jimmy Haslam and GM Andrew Berry. The Browns have been closely linked to Carter at No. 2 overall.
[RELATED: Browns, Titans To Work Out Shedeur Sanders]
Holding the Nos. 3 and 4 picks, the Giants and Patriots also made the cut for Carter meetings, according to SI.com’s Albert Breer. The Titans already met with Carter, and unless another team convinces him a meeting is worthwhile, no more are on tap for one of this year’s premier prospects.
The Giants made a move that could impact their No. 3 choice, having signed Russell Wilson shortly after their Jameis Winston deal. Wilson gives the team a starter-caliber passer, albeit one who has declined in recent years, who could give Joe Schoen and Co. cover if they are not sold on Shedeur Sanders — or if the Browns are and select the Colorado prospect second overall. The Giants have been connected to eyeing a QB choice beyond No. 3 overall, and although that would be a risk given Schoen and Brian Daboll‘s tenuous job statuses, Wilson could allow for a best-player-available pick.
Sanders going in the top three would represent excellent news for the Patriots, who would then presumably — assuming all this Titans-Cam Ward smoke produces a pick at No. 1 — have Carter or Travis Hunter still on the board at No. 4. Either would slot in as an instant starter for a team attempting to recover from its worst two-year stretch in decades.
If the Titans are becoming Ward-committed, the Browns become the team that must decide if Sanders is worthy of such a lofty draft investment. The second-generation NFL prospect has seen a gap form between he and Ward, and while a potential fall out of the first round is not viewed a realistic, Carter is viewed as a safer bet. Browns brass already met with Carter this month, doing so as they hosted Ward, Sanders and Hunter on “30” visits. Carter-to-Cleveland as a low-cost Myles Garrett complement has since gained steam.
Carter is coming off a dominant college season, having led Division I-FBS with 24 tackles for loss. Helping Penn State to the CFP semifinals, Carter posted 12 sacks and four pass deflections as well. Carter passed on Combine workouts, not being the only top prospect to do so, after a foot injury (a stress reaction) became known. Carter did not need surgery, but he is passing on working out at the Nittany Lions’ pro day. Friday. The Browns have college scouting director Max Paulus on-hand anyway.
Of the three teams in the Carter mix, the Giants would seem to need him least. While the Browns would benefit from a Garrett sidekick and Patriots from a long-term edge anchor, the Giants traded for Brian Burns two years after drafting Kayvon Thibodeaux at No. 5. This organization has a history of strengthening this position when it already appeared fortified — drafting Jason Pierre-Paul in Round 1 despite rostering Osi Umenyiora, Justin Tuck and Mathias Kiwanuka — but Hunter could be a higher priority if a need tiebreaker emerged. That said, the Giants viewing a gap between Carter and Hunter would make for a fascinating decision should both be on the board.
Browns To Hold Additional Meeting With Travis Hunter, Shedeur Sanders; Teams Doubting Cleveland’s Abdul Carter Interest?
Having rostered two players who could end up top-five picks in the draft, Colorado will feature its most notable pro day in ages. The Buffaloes’ top prospects are set to work out Friday in Boulder, and dozens of high-ranking NFL personnel members will be there.
Although the Titans are sending several key staffers to Boulder, the Browns will do more preparation on Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders. Browns brass will have dinner with the Buffaloes’ top duo, cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot notes.
[RELATED: Which Team Will Select Hunter In Draft?]
This dinner comes after the Browns hosted both players on “30” visits and conducted meetings and workouts with other quarterbacks. Cleveland has hosted Cam Ward on a “30” visit and gone through a workout with the likely No. 1 overall pick, and the team has worked out Jalen Milroe and Jaxson Dart; a Tyler Shough meeting is also scheduled. But Cleveland holds the No. 2 pick, likely giving — in the expected event the Titans start the draft with Ward — right of first refusal on the Colorado stars.
Andrew Berry and Kevin Stefanski will be at the dinner, per Cabot, who adds new OC Tommy Rees and veteran QBs coach Bill Musgrave likely will join the top power brokers. The Browns view Hunter as a wide receiver, separating them from the Titans and Giants regarding one of the most interesting prospects in NFL history. Sanders, however, would be the more interesting pick from a big-picture lens.
The Browns are not expected to trade up to No. 1, as a 2-to-1 move has never happened in the NFL draft, but they have been closely connected to Abdul Carter. Cleveland brass hosted the Penn State defensive end on a “30” visit and dined with Carter and his family before the Nittany Lions’ pro day last week. However, some around the league are sensing a smokescreen effort. Two anonymous GMs told the Washington Post’s Jason La Canfora they are not sold on a Browns-Carter fit, with one citing Stefanski being absent at the D-end’s dinner as a sign this might not come to fruition.
It would be a risk if the Browns passed on a quarterback at 2, even if Sanders has generated considerable scrutiny about being worthy of such an investment. Sanders, however, is not expected to fall too far if the Browns pass. Opinions vary on the Giants’ interest in Sanders, though a recent report suggested the NFC East team is indeed believed to be in on the two-year Buffaloes starter. If the Browns pass on Sanders, they may face the prospect of needing to trade back into Round 1 to acquire another QB. La Canfora doubles down on Dart being a first-round pick, something that has come up for a bit now.
The Browns hold the Nos. 33, 67 and 94 selections — the third choice coming via the Amari Cooper trade — if they want to assemble a package that could allow them to draft Carter and then vault up for Dart or, potentially, a falling Sanders. With Deshaun Watson almost definitely never taking another snap with the team — especially after Jimmy Haslam made the public admission of the catastrophic blunder his franchise made in trading for the embattled QB — the Browns need a cost-controlled option under center.
The Titans will send GM Mike Borgonzi, wide receivers coach Tyke Tolbert and DC Dennard Wilson to Colorado, ESPN.com’s Turron Davenport adds. Brian Callahan and team president Chad Brinker will not join them, having already spent extensive time on Hunter and Sanders, whose private workout with Tennessee is slated for April 9. With Ward the most likely player to be Nashville-bound to start the draft, however, the Browns will be tasked with determining if Sanders or Hunter are worth passing on Carter.
Browns Not Expected To Trade Up To No. 1
A few weeks ago, we saw Browns defensive end Myles Garrett make an about face on his stance for the team’s chances for contention on their current trajectory. While it hasn’t been said exclusively, one may assume that, in the team’s meetings and negotiations with Garrett, Cleveland gave him some insight into the team’s plans for becoming contenders. 
One would also assume that that would indicate some sort of improvement at the quarterback position, but so far, the Browns have exchanged Jameis Winston for Kenny Pickett and watched Deshaun Watson‘s rehab activities stall due to a second Achilles tendon tear that could hold him out for the 2025 NFL season.
[RELATED: Jimmy Haslam Admits Mistake On Deshaun Watson Trade]
One way that Cleveland could improve at the position is by drafting a talented rookie, but at No. 2 overall, the Browns sit just out of reach of the class’s best quarterback, Miami’s Cam Ward, who’s expected to be taken No. 1 overall by the Titans. While one might think it wouldn’t take too much to move up and exchange places with Tennessee, general manager Andrew Berry said at league meetings this week that the team is “unlikely” to trade up for Ward, per Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com.
In fact, Browns co-owner Jimmy Haslam seemed to indicate that they may not add a quarterback at all, telling the media that they’re “not going to force it,” per Cabot. Instead, Cleveland may address Garrett’s position group by adding Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter, who is widely seen as the top prospect in the class. Despite recent news of a stress reaction in Carter’s foot, Berry made it clear that the team is not concerned by the injury, stating that it shouldn’t “be prohibitive to a long, successful career,” per ESPN’s Daniel Oyefusi.
By not further addressing the quarterback position, the Browns would be setting themselves up to enter the 2025 NFL season with only Watson — who is questionable to be healthy by that time — and Pickett as options at QB1. That doesn’t seem to worry Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski, who told the media today that he believes in Pickett to be the team’s Week 1 starter “if it lands that way.” Over three years with the Steelers and Eagles, Pickett has a 15-10 record as a starter in the NFL with 15 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.
Titans’ Brian Callahan On No. 1 Overall Pick
Current reporting suggests Miami (FL) quarterback Cam Ward has clearly established himself as the best passer in the 2025 draft class. As such, the Titans – who were considered likely to trade down from their No. 1 overall selection not too long ago – are seemingly prepared to make Ward the top pick in next month’s draft.
Of course, Tennessee head coach Brian Callahan is not going to tip his team’s hand at this stage of the process, and new GM Mike Borgonzi recently said all options (including a trade-down) are still on the table (via Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk). Nonetheless, Callahan confirmed – assuming the Titans retain their No. 1 choice – the club will be picking one of a short list of four players.
“I think it’s a short list at No. 1 for sure, it’s all the guys that I think are worthy of it, the ones that everyone talks about out there, and between Travis [Hunter] and Shedeur [Sanders] and [Ward] and Abdul Carter, I think those are, that’s the top of the draft for me,” Callahan recently told NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero (via NFL.com’s Coral Smith).
Callahan added, “[t]here’s going to be a lot of good ones certainly that come after them, but I think those at this moment are the best players in the draft and at the top of it.”
Carter is an elite pass-rushing prospect who has been closely linked to the Browns and their No. 2 overall pick in recent days. Hunter is a rare two-way phenom whom some teams primarily project as a cornerback at the professional level, with other teams valuing him more highly as a wide receiver. Both Carter and Hunter have long been viewed as the top overall talents in the 2025 class, though the fact that Ward and Sanders play quarterback naturally elevates their stock quite a bit.
With the 2025 crop of QBs generally considered a weak one, Borgonzi’s January comments indicating he would not pass on a “generational talent” with the first pick in the draft signaled to many that the Titans – who are not just a quarterback away from contention – would eschew a signal-caller at the top of the draft board and would instead select Carter or Hunter. Ward’s pre-draft ascension and the importance of the quarterback position may have changed the team’s thinking in that regard, though Callahan’s comments – if taken at face value, that is – suggest Carter and Hunter are still in the mix.
It is also notable that Callahan named Sanders as one of the four players worthy of the No. 1 selection. Much has been made about Sanders’ draft stock and the possibility that he might fall out of the first round entirely, as well as the fact that other QB prospects like Jaxson Dart and Tyler Shough may have surpassed him on some team’s boards. Callahan’s remarks support the notion that, notwithstanding the rumors surrounding Sanders’ potential slide, the Colorado product remains an early-first round candidate. Despite the Ward-to-Tennessee momentum, the Titans will host Sanders on a private workout.
“We’re getting closer for sure; all of the processes are moving right along,” Callahan said of his second draft as a head coach. “I would say we have a pretty good feel for what direction we’re headed by early April here, and you put the final touches on it and tie the bow over it by the time you get to the draft.”
Draft Rumors: Pro Days, Jackson, Taylor
We’re in the thick of Pro Day Season and, while some of the 2025 NFL Draft’s top quarterbacks are showing out after not throwing at the NFL Scouting Combine, some of the draft’s top pass rushers have chosen to sit out of their pro days. Two of the class’s top pass rushing prospects, Penn State’s Abdul Carter and Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart, have made the decision not to work out at their respective pro day events.
Carter’s announcement, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, was relayed by his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, who said that his client was “still finishing up rehab on the shoulder injury” he suffered during the College Football Playoff game against Boise State. He won’t work out at the pro day but will still be measured, which is important because he didn’t get measured at the combine after having to leave early for medicals, according to Dane Brugler of The Athletic. Rosenhaus added that Carter may still work out at private team workouts in mid-April.
Stewart also missed workouts at both the combine and his team’s pro day, per Tony Pauline of sportskeeda. Stewart, a former five-star high school recruit, is a true physical specimen, but after only recording 1.5 sacks in each of his three seasons of play with the Aggies, scouts were hoping to get some insight via pre-draft workouts. If he still goes in the first round of the draft, as is currently projected, it will likely be solely based on traits over production.
Here are a couple other draft rumors on potential Day 1 prospects:
- Another pass rushing prospect, Arkansas’ Landon Jackson is hoping to work his way into the first round with Carter and Stewart. After a phenomenal combine performance that included a 4.68-second 40-yard dash, a 40.5-inch vertical jump, and a 10-foot-9 broad jump, Jackson continued to impress on the stopwatch with a three-cone drill timed at under seven seconds, per Pauline. While Jackson surprisingly sat out of defensive line drills in Fayetteville, he’s still being projected as an easy top-42 pick, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he found himself getting selected on Day 1.
- Lastly, LSU tight end Mason Taylor had an impressive pro day in Baton Rouge, timing out from 4.58-4.62, depending on the stopwatch, on his 40-yard dash and repping out 28 on the bench press. While the Giants and Cowboys both ran him through some blocking drills, the only team with an official top-30 visit planned, per Pauline, is the Chargers.
Browns “Leaning Towards” Abdul Carter At 2
While plenty could change over the next month, it sounds like we’re starting to get some clarity atop the draft board. During an appearance on NFL Live today, ESPN’s Adam Schefter said the Browns are “leaning towards” selecting Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter with the second-overall pick (h/t ESPN Cleveland).
Schefter cautions that things could change, but he believes Carter is “tracking to being a Brown.” Schefter also notes that the draft’s real intrigue starts with the Giants at No. 3, an indication that the Titans are destined to select Cam Ward with the first-overall pick.
There’s been plenty of speculation about how the Browns would approach this year’s draft. Deshaun Watson is under contract for two more years, but the QB’s second Achilles tear has put his future with Cleveland in doubt. As a result, some pundits have assumed that the organization would jump at one of the draft’s top-two QB prospects, and with Ward trending towards the number-one pick, Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders would seemingly be a natural selection.
On the flip side, neither Sanders nor Ward are considered blue-chip prospects, and the Browns would surely be fading more decorated prospects if they chose a QB at No. 2. Carter has always loomed as an option, as the pass rusher is considered one of the best non-QB prospects in the draft. The other contender for that unofficial title would be Colorado’s Travis Hunter. For what it’s worth, the Browns have met with all four of the aforementioned prospects.
Carter climbed to the top of draft boards following a standout 2024 campaign where he collected 12 sacks and a Division I-leading 24 tackles for loss. After entering the pre-draft process with a shoulder injury, Carter was reportedly dealing with a foot issue. Ultimately, it was determined the player didn’t have to go under the knife, and the injuries clearly haven’t done anything to hurt his draft stock.
If Cleveland does ultimately opt for Carter, they’d be forming one of the best pass-rush tandems in the NFL. The Browns committed big money to keep Myles Garrett in Cleveland, but that extension apparently hasn’t dissuaded the front office from pursuing the same position in the draft.
With Ward penciled in at No. 1 and Carter at No. 2, all eyes will turn to the Giants at No. 3. The team has also been mentioned as a landing spot for a QB prospect, even after they added Russell Wilson as their presumed 2025 starter. If the team decides against selecting Sanders, then Hunter would presumably be the team’s target at No. 3.
Titans Rumors: Darnold, Ward, Sanders, Carter, Hunter, Levis, Rudolph
Not seeing their Will Levis plan work out, the Titans have to chart a path to finding a better option. The team has an interesting dilemma, holding the No. 1 overall pick in a draft not flush with QB talent. In fact, teams may be determining only one passer will be worth taking near the top of the first round.
As Cam Ward continues to build a lead on Shedeur Sanders for the slot as this draft’s top quarterback, the Titans first must determine how much they want to spend on a free agent. Which way Tennessee goes in free agency could determine if it wants a first-round quarterback, as rumblings about the team being eager to move out of No. 1 persist.
[RELATED: Titans Doing Deep Dive On QB Prospects]
Several teams could use at least a bridge quarterback, but Sam Darnold may be eyeing a fit that goes beyond well-paid stopgap. The Titans are believed to have interest in Darnold, according to ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler and Turron Davenport, but at a price. The team wants the Vikings Pro Bowler at around $30MM per year, but may not be interested in going beyond that range. Pointing further to the Titans setting a price on Darnold, veteran Titans reporter Paul Kuharsky notes the team should be expected to bow out if the market becomes too extreme. Baker Mayfield‘s $33MM-per-year contract surfaced as a potential Darnold zone, though the cap having climbed by $24MM may make that more of a floor.
PFR’s No. 1 free agent of the 2025 class, Darnold is going into his age-28 season. The former top-three pick did not receive a Vikings franchise tag, and while Minnesota is interested in retaining him at a rate south of the $40.2MM tag, leaving him unattached opens the door to an exit. As the Vikings remain committed to J.J. McCarthy, Darnold could bolt for a situation that does not feature an immediate challenger. Of course, he would have no way of being certain — as Kirk Cousins learned last year — the team he signs with will not immediately draft a QB. Though, the Falcons’ situation — where a $90MM QB guarantee preceded a top-10 draftee at the position — was historically rare.
Options like Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, Justin Fields and perhaps Cousins — if the Falcons relent on their current stance to keep him as a backup — would be cheaper than Darnold, but the Titans having interest is notable, as it adds another known suitor for a player who has been connected to the Vikings, Giants, Raiders and Browns. Where the bidding goes will be one of this offseason’s defining storylines, as Tennessee ending up with Darnold could influence them to draft Abdul Carter or Travis Hunter at No. 1.
The Titans have received trade offers, with the Giants being the team most closely connected to a move up. Given the lack of prospect firepower in this draft, Fowler and Davenport doubt a future first-rounder would be required in a 3-to-1 move for New York. Ward has support in the Titans’ building, per The Athletic’s Jeff Howe. This could be a smokescreen aimed at bringing the Giants to offer more for the pick, but we will not have a clearer outlook on the Titans’ QB plans until after the initial free agency blitz next week.
While the team is still deciding its draft plan, Fowler and Davenport indicate Ward would be the likely pick as of now. The team believed the Miami prospect checked all the boxes during his Combine meeting, though his upcoming visit and pro day will be more telling. Team president Chad Brinker was at November’s Miami-Georgia Tech game, however. Ward, Sanders and Carter are visiting this week, while Fowler and Davenport adds Hunter’s Nashville trip is postponed to later this month.
Neither Ward nor Sanders have wowed as prospects, despite the former’s momentum. Ranking all the 2020s first-round QBs as prospects, ESPN.com’s Matt Miller slotted Ward 18th (behind last year’s sixth QB drafted, Bo Nix) and Sanders 20th — ahead of only Kenny Pickett. Scouts at the Combine believe Ward has separated from Sanders, per SNY’s Connor Hughes, with Sportskeeda.com’s Tony Pauline adding the Colorado prospect’s perceived lack of improvement — along with the baggage the second-generation NFL prospect brings — has hurt his stock.
We have heard for a while this is a down QB draft and that a Ward-over-Sanders preference was forming, but if a gap grows between the two QBs, a club desperate to land Ward may increase its offer to the Titans for No. 1. No surprise prospect is expected to leapfrog the four frontrunners for No. 1, SI.com’s Albert Breer adds. If the Titans stay at 1, they would choose Ward, Sanders, Hunter or Carter. That elevates the importance of the March “30” visits.
New GM Mike Borgonzi was in Kansas City when the team held the No. 1 overall pick in 2013. In a down QB draft, the Chiefs instead traded two second-rounders to the 49ers for Alex Smith. Reid’s first Kansas City starter stayed five seasons, with the Chiefs trading up for Patrick Mahomes in 2017. The Chiefs chose Eric Fisher first overall in 2013, building around Smith for a while.
Borgonzi and Brinker would have the chance to take a similar route if they chose Carter or Hunter at 1 after signing a veteran. Ward’s status throws a wrench into that plan, as no 2013 passer rivaled where Ward is as a prospect. The Titans’ decision next week will represent an important part of this year’s pre-draft process.
If the Titans go with a veteran-rookie two-fer this year, Levis’ future with the team may be in doubt. Two years remain on the disappointing second-rounder’s deal. Levis’ backup/replacement, Mason Rudolph, is a free agent once again. The Titans are open to bringing back the ex-Steeler, Borgonzi said at the Combine. Rudolph signed a one-year, $2.87MM deal last year and would be unlikely to fetch much more than that this year.
Browns To Meet With Abdul Carter, Travis Hunter, Shedeur Sanders, Cam Ward
Like the Titans, the Browns are set for an early start on their “30” visits. Holding the No. 2 overall pick, the team will meet with the top prospects in this draft this week.
Abdul Carter, Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders are in Berea, Ohio, today for their Browns visits, SI.com’s Albert Breer tweets. The trio dined with Browns brass Tuesday night, per ESPN’s Kimberley Martin. Cam Ward is also set to meet with the team, cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot notes, with Breer adding it will commence Thursday.
[RELATED: Browns To Consider Trading Back From No. 2]
The Browns will gather important intel before free agency launches Monday. Cleveland joins Tennessee in seeing its previous quarterback plan fail to impress. While the Titans are not certain to demote Will Levis, the Browns will need a new starter after Deshaun Watson‘s second Achilles tear. Ward and Sanders would be expected to step in as such during the 2025 season or by Week 1, and the team will have access to at least one of them at No. 2 overall.
Next week will bring some clarity on the Browns’ QB plan. Ward has taken a lead on Sanders as the more likely player to be the first QB off the board, with The Athletic’s Zac Jackson indicating the Browns should only be eyeing the Miami prospect were they to use their top pick on a passer. Ward has been viewed as the higher-ceiling option compared to Sanders, whose floor may well check in higher. If the Browns were to pursue Ward, they may need to trade up to No. 1. The Titans are not committed to taking a quarterback, but other teams — such as the Giants and Raiders — have been tied to moving up. Rumblings about Tennessee trading the top pick continue to surface.
A recent report tied the Browns to Hunter, a two-way phenom who is in the unique position of not being locked in at a position. While the Titans view Hunter as a cornerback, Andrew Berry said the Browns have tabbed him as a wide receiver ahead of the draft. Hunter may earn the chance to be a two-way player at the pro level, though settling in as someone who commits to one spot and moonlights at the other — still a highly unusual NFL role — may be the more realistic path.
Carter is rehabbing a foot injury; as of now, the Penn State edge rusher is not expected to need surgery. The injury could still affect the former Big Ten standout’s draft stock. The Browns have thus far informed teams they are not considering a Myles Garrett trade. Carter would make for a flashy bookend and a player whose rookie contract would overlap with a monster third Garrett deal, though the 2023 Defensive Player of the Year is not currently interested in another Browns extension.
Titans Schedule Visits With Cam Ward, Shedeur Sanders, Travis Hunter, Abdul Carter
Earning the No. 1 overall pick in a year without a surefire franchise quarterback in the draft pool, the Titans have a decision to make. And they will go to work on an important part of the pre-draft process early.
Information about “30” visits generally run from late March to mid-April, but the Titans are going early with the draft’s four highest-profile prospects. Top QBs Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders will join Travis Hunter and Abdul Carter in meeting with the Titans before the new league year begins (March 12), veteran Titans reporter Paul Kuharsky notes.
[RELATED: Giants, Jets Interested In No. 1 Pick?]
Sanders and Ward will make their way to Nashville this week, per Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz. This will be an early trip for the top arms in a draft; the timing might be important to note here. The Titans bringing in both QBs before free agency would help shape their decision on how to proceed at the position. Veterans will become available beginning March 10, with the legal tampering period. While teams’ draft preparation continues beyond free agency, the Titans have made an interesting call to schedule their most important visits early.
While the Titans basing their free agency call at QB on the early visits may be too simplistic, teams have a pretty good idea about these prospects from their game tape. Sanders and Ward, however, will not work out until their pro days; those will not occur prior to the main free agency period. The Titans have a clear path to drafting a quarterback to replace Will Levis, a Ran Carthon selection who has not panned out just yet. A veteran could also be sought to take over for Levis — or at least push the 2023 second-rounder — early in free agency.
The Titans have received calls about moving down from No. 1, and some buzz about them trading back emerged before the Combine. The Titans traded down from No. 2 overall in 2016, sticking with Marcus Mariota. They have made a few top-10 picks in recent years, but their only two top-three selections since moving to Tennessee have come at QB (Mariota, Vince Young). Doubts have emerged about these two QBs being worth a No. 1 pick, but as could be expected, teams have shown interest. Beyond the New York franchises, the Raiders have been linked to potentially trading up for Ward, who is viewed as a higher-upside play compared to the more polished Sanders.
If the Titans trade back, they may lose access to all four of these players — depending on how far back they go, of course. (Other Titans visits will be with slightly lesser-regarded first-rounders, covering trade-down scenarios, Kuharsky adds.) If they stay at 1, a quarterback may also be eschewed. Hunter and Carter have been mocked to Tennessee early, with a fascinating situation surrounding the Colorado talent. After a historic season in which Hunter regularly played both wide receiver and cornerback, the Titans and Browns are split on the Heisman winner’s position. Tennessee views Hunter as a corner, while Cleveland has him tabbed as a wide receiver.
Hunter’s two-way season aside, NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah slots Carter as this draft’s top prospect (with Hunter at 2); ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. also has Carter going first to Tennessee in his latest mock. QB needs could push one of these defenders down to Nos. 3 or 4, however, depending on where the Sanders consensus lands.
Carter and Hunter did not work out at the Combine, either, and the Penn State edge rusher is dealing with a foot injury. Carter, however, is not expected to need surgery and should be ready to work out at his pro day. The Titans will take an early look at the high-end edge defender, with his medical evaluation set to be critical regarding a potential landing at No. 1 overall.