Travis Hunterearned 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
Nate Davis, USA TODAY: No. 3 overall to the New York Giants
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."
James Foster, 33rd Team: No. 3 overall to the New York Giants
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 ...
