Travis Hunter NFL mock draft roundup: Giants, Patriots in play for Colorado star

Travis Hunter earned the Heisman Trophy for his performance in the 2024 college football season. The two-way star led the Big 12 in receptions and receiving touchdowns as a wide receiver on offense and was a standout cornerback for the Colorado defense.

Hunter is an anomaly in modern football. No player has been as prolific on both sides of the ball as Hunter in the last 25 years. He has a very good case to be the best player, regardless of position, in the 2025 NFL draft.

That makes him an intriguing prospect for teams picking high in the first round. Teams could take him and start him as a rookie full-time on defense, where the transition from college to the professional level isn’t quite as tough. Or teams could take advantage of his talents at wide receiver to help jump-start their offense’s passing game. They could do a bit of both as well.

Hunter is a valuable player and one of the only prospects in the draft class with All-Pro potential. His size, length, athleticism, playmaking and football IQ give him a high floor at the NFL level.

Though he is expected to go early in the 2025 draft, his exact destination is still unknown. Here are the latest predictions from experts at USA TODAY, 33rd Team, Pro Football Focus, CBS Sports and The Athletic.

Travis Hunter mock draft roundup

Davis writes: “With the draft’s top quarterbacks gone in this scenario – and the Wilson insurance policy already purchased – the G-Men are in position to snatch the man who is arguably the best college player entering the league this year. It’s a matter of debate what the best professional position is for Hunter, the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner and an equally accomplished offensive weapon and defender.

Bad as the Giants were in 2024, they enter 2025 with a solid group of receivers (including Malik Nabers at the top of the depth chart) and corners (including recently signed Paulson Adebo at the top of the depth chart). That means a golden opportunity to take an elite player like Hunter and allowing him to play both positions in the NFL – as he desires to do – without demanding he cover top receivers, be the team’s primary target or play an inordinate numbers of snaps as he settles into whatever his role develops into.”

Foster explains: “Quarterback desperation might win out in the end, but I would have a hard time taking Shedeur Sanders over a blue-chip player like Travis Hunter.

We’ve never seen a prospect like Hunter – he’s the best receiver and cornerback in this class, and he’d most likely win the Giants more games next year than anyone else who’s available. Pairing his skill set with Malik Nabers would give New York one of the most dynamic receiver duos in the NFL.

He could also replace Deonte Banks if he continues to struggle.”

Kosko says: “It’s uncertain whether the fans view Hunter as a cornerback or a wide receiver, but the top player on PFF’s big board is what the Giants fans want. Pairing him with Malik Nabers would create a fun tandem. And if New York views him as a cornerback, spending this pick on a premium position where the team lacks star power isn’t the worst idea, either.”

Trapasso writes: “Even without a long-term quarterback solution on the roster, the Browns opt for the prospect many believe is the best football player in this class in Hunter.”

Feldman explains: “Hunter is the best pure athlete in this draft. He is a rare talent, an elite cornerback who doubles as a dynamic wideout with a gas tank like college football has never seen. Other special DBs like Charles Woodson and Champ Bailey have dabbled on offense. None have played as many snaps as Hunter or made as many big plays on that side of the ball and excelled deep into games after remarkably high snap counts.

The 6-0, 188-pound Hunter won the Heisman Trophy as the nation’s top player, the Biletnikoff Award as the top receiver and the Bednarik Award as the top defensive player. He can help second-year QB Drake Maye immediately, even if cornerback is his primary position.”

2025 NFL draft order

1. Tennessee Titans
2. Cleveland Browns
3. New York Giants
4. New England Patriots
5. Jacksonville Jaguars
6. Las Vegas Raiders
7. New York Jets
8. Carolina Panthers
9. New Orleans Saints
10. Chicago Bears
11. San Francisco 49ers
12. Dallas Cowboys
13. Miami Dolphins
14. Indianapolis Colts
15. Atlanta Falcons
16. Arizona Cardinals
17. Cincinnati Bengals
18. Seattle Seahawks
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
20. Denver Broncos
21. Pittsburgh Steelers
22. Los Angeles Chargers
23. Green Bay Packers
24. Minnesota Vikings
25. Houston Texans
26. Los Angeles Rams
27. Baltimore Ravens
28. Detroit Lions
29. Washington Commanders
30. Buffalo Bills
31. Kansas City Chiefs
32. Philadelphia Eagles

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