The Cleveland Browns made a surprising decision by trading down from the No. 2 to the No. 5 pick in the NFL draft, allowing the Jacksonville Jaguars to select Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter. The Jaguars, in exchange, gave the Browns several picks, including their 2026 first-round selection, positioning Cleveland with two first-round picks in 2026. This strategic maneuver opens up the possibility for the Browns to draft quarterback Arch Manning, potentially addressing their ongoing quarterback issues once Deshaun Watson's contract concludes. Analysts consider this trade a potential win for the Browns, as it might lead to a transformative decision in the future. Early indications of Manning's talent have generated excitement about his potential impact on the franchise.

The Cleveland Browns opted to trade down from the No. 2 draft spot to No. 5, bypassing the opportunity to select Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter, who was picked by the Jacksonville Jaguars for his dual-threat capability.

In exchange for allowing Jacksonville to move up, Cleveland received multiple draft picks, including the Jaguars' second-round pick in 2023, a fourth-round pick, and a 2026 first-round pick, while also sending back some later round picks.

This trade strategy positions the Browns favorably for future drafts, as they now hold two first-round picks in 2026, creating speculations about drafting potential star quarterback Arch Manning.

Despite trading away an opportunity to pick a top prospect like Hunter, the Browns are seen as winners in this deal by some analysts due to the long-term flexibility and potential it provides.

The anticipation surrounding Arch Manning is fueled by early glimpses of his talent, leading to hopes that he could be the solution to the Browns' persistent quarterback challenges in the coming years.

The Cleveland Browns stunned everybody by trading down from No. 2 to No. 5, bypassing Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter. It was the Jacksonville Jaguars who jumped from No. 5 to No. 2 and selected Hunter with plans to play him on both sides of the ball. 

It was quite a move for both sides. The Jaguars land a legitimate two-way superstar, and the Browns on not only Hunter but also Penn State EDGE Abdul Carter to move down and select Michigan DT Mason Graham. 

Well, it took a lot for the Jaguars to move up. Jacksonville sent Cleveland their second-round pick (No. 36), fourth-round pick (No. 126) and their 2026 first-round pick. Jacksonville got a fourth-round pick (No. 104) and a sixth-round pick (No. 200). 

However, it might work out swimmingly in the Browns' favor. Bill Bender named the Browns as one of his winners of the first round, and he even said it could be a potential Arch Manning destination. 

"Now, Cleveland has two first-round picks in 2026 – when Texas' Arch Manning could be in play. The Browns still have two years left on the Deshaun Watson contract, and the best way to offset that is with draft picks."

So, in a dream world that doesn't seem too farfetched now, the Browns grab Arch Maning in the 2026 NFL Draft and have another pick to play with if things work out in their favor. It's very early, but the small glimpses of Manning's talent has everybody buzzing about his potential. 

A year from now, this trade from the Browns could be a franchise-changing move that finally solves their revolving door at the quarterback position. 

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