The 2025 NFL Draft is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable in years. While there is talent across the board, teams have been evaluating the prospects so dissimilarly that NFL insiders have yet to give consensus picks. With this in mind, many fans want to know where the 2024 Heisman Trophy Winner, Travis Hunter, will go.
Hunter, a third year standout out of Colorado, is most notably recognized for his ability to play on both sides of the ball. The CB/WR put up twenty touchdowns and seven interceptions during his past two seasons with the Buffaloes. The caliber of his play at both ends of the field have many wondering what role he will serve in the NFL. While many agree that Hunter is the best cornerback in the draft, it is up for debate whether he is the top receiver available (T. McMillan, ASU, is on the top of many wide receiver rankings). Regardless, the team that chooses to take Travis Hunter will be getting, as Coach Prime puts it – an absolute DAWG.
Let’s break down some potential scenarios involving the top 5 picks, because if there’s one thing we can agree on: it’s that a generational talent like Hunter won’t fall out of the top 5.
Tennessee holds the No. 1 overall pick and by the way trade talks fell through with the Giants, they’ll likely still be there on April 24th. While many analysts have pegged Travis Hunter and EDGE Abdul Carter from Penn State the best players in this draft, I believe Tennessee will select Miami QB Cam Ward. A franchise quarterback is too valuable to pass up and Ward stands as top at his position. However, if he was entering last year’s draft I don’t believe he’d go in the first round (but that’s a conversation for another time).
The Cleveland Browns sit at No. 2 and this is the earliest I see Hunter jumping off the board. They recently resigned EDGE Myles Garrett to an extension that makes him the highest paid non-quarterback in NFL history. So you’d think they’re all set on the defensive line, right? I think this hungry defense, continues to stay hungry and grab Abdul Carter with this pick, creating a pass-rush capable of winning games. Although Travis Hunter could easily be a selection here, Carter is a proven game changer and fits well into Kevin Stefanski’s defensive personnel. Quarterback is also a big need for the Browns, and unless the Titans pass on Cam Ward, I don’t believe there’s anyone good enough for Cleveland to use the second pick on (see Shedeur hate in the next paragraph).
Pick No. 3 belongs to the New York Giants. Without a doubt, the Giants biggest need is at QB. But with Ward going off the board at number one, if not two, the G-Men will be scrambling to fill this gap. The next best prospect is the other Buffalo, Shedeur Sanders. While Sanders has a lot of meaningful tape, a strong arm, and impeccable athleticism, his draft stock after the NFL combine has been plummeting. Teams are knocking him for his unprofessionalism and inconsistency with the ball in his hands. However, I would not be surprised if the Giants still take him here out of desperation (we’ve seen that front office make worse moves). Should they pass on Sanders, Hunter is in the conversation for the 3 spot along with guys like DL Mason Graham and OT Will Campbell.
Here’s where it gets interesting. Would the potential best player in the draft fall to No. 4 and land in New England? It seems like it. But the Patriots still have holes elsewhere- particularly, the offensive line. Patriots quarterbacks took more sacks than almost any other team last year and despite having solid ball carriers their run game was underwhelming. This makes the tackle position a necessity for Mike Vrabel and co. The best tackle on the board is Will Campbell from LSU, but his shorter than average arm size for his position doesn’t value him at a top 4 pick.
The Patriots could trade back and still grab Campbell, but their other big need is at receiver. Despite being set in the cornerback room (second team all-pro Christian Gonzalez and new signing Carlton Davis among the bunch), Hunter could play a crucial role for the development of Drake Maye on offense. Earlier today, a report from MassLive came out stating that the Patriots graded Travis Hunter as the best CB and WR in the draft. Additionally, if the Patriots were to take Hunter he would still play on the defensive side either as a slot corner or nickel safety. If I were to bet money on where the Heisman is drafted, I’d put that money on the Patriots.
If Travis Hunter remarkably falls out of the top 4, I don’t see any world where Jacksonville doesn’t take him at No. 5. Unless an incredible trade offer is made, expect the Jaguars to bring the Florida native to Duval County. When Hunter does fall off the board before Jacksonville’s pick, I predict they’ll grab DL Mason Graham from Michigan.
Another team that could be in the mix for Hunter via trade is the Las Vegas Raiders, who have already proven they’re willing to spend and make moves. They currently hold the no. 6 overall pick, and could draw interest from the Giants or the Patriots to draft Campbell, McMillan, or Graham. The Bears, who currently sit at number ten, have an extra second round pick to give away and are a great fit for Travis Hunter to develop alongside QB Caleb Williams.
If Hunter does slip to the 3-5 range of draft picks, I imagine many teams will be making calls to try and move up. It’s an expensive spot to trade to but you’re essentially getting two players in Travis Hunter. With over a month left until draft night, and a Colorado pro day in that time, more buzz about Hunter’s draft stock will circulate.
Written by Colby Shannon March 17th at 8:52 pm
As we continue to approach the draft OnlyFootball will be diving further into NFL teams and their expected outcomes for the draft and the 2025 season.
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