Travis Hunter is the unquestioned best player in college football in 2024. Colorado's two-way superstar at cornerback and wide receiver also makes for an unicorn of a prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft.
The history of both positions says Hunter might have a difficult team being selected No. 1 overall. No pure corner has ever gone No. 1 overall. The last wide receiver to be taken at the top of the draft was Keyshawn Johnson in 1996.
On the other hand, the best all-time NFL two-player was picked at the top. Chuck Bednarik, a late Eagles legend at center and linebacker, went No. 1 in 1949.
Whether Hunter is the first player off the board or waits a pick or two, he can help many teams on either side of the ball. Here's looking at his five most likely landing spots.
NFL DRAFT NEWS:
Travis Hunter's best 2025 NFL Draft fits
New England Patriots
The Patriots would not take a QB at No. 1, be it Hunter's teammate Shedeur Sanders or another top prospect, after picking Drake Maye at No. 3 overall in 2024. They also need a lot of help, including giving Maye a go-to receiver and getting an immediate-impact ballhawking corner for defensive-minded coach Jerod Mayo.
If Bill Belichick was still running the Patriots, Hunter might be a no-brainer. He loved versatile players, having core stars such as wide receiver Troy Brown and linebacker Mike Vrabel play on the other side of the ball in key situations. Still, with Maye and Mayo, it might be hard to pass up Hunter wherever New England selects.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders are being pushed to draft Colorado stars by Colorado coach Deion Sanders, perhaps also working on taking "Prime Time" to Vegas for an NFL head-coaching gig. The Raiders would be on high alert for a quarterback with their young, injury-riddled mess in 2025, regardless of whether defensive-minded Antonio Pierce returns as coach.
That would say Deion's son Shedeur remains top of mind for Mark Davis, but if he's unavailable and Vegas doesn't love any of the other QBs early, they could address two other big weaknesses with Hunter.
Cleveland Browns
The Browns need some help opposite Denzel Ward at cornerback and have a void for a true No. 1 outside wide receiver after trading Amari Cooper. Of course, the Browns also might be thinking of a way to reboot at quarterback after their expensive, guaranteed mistake with Deshaun Watson. But should the Browns be in any kind of high draft position to jump on Hunter instead, they should not hesitate.
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers have a group of young pass-catchers for Bryce Young, but no one has stood out. They've been OK at cornerback. That said, it might be difficult for them to pass on getting an electric player who can give them a talent and national recognition boost.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars will not be taking a quarterback after just extending 2021 No. 1 overall pick Trevor Lawrence to a lucrative deal. They have been terrible in cornerback coverage all season, and injuries have riddled their wide receiver corps to the point that dynamic rookie first-rounder Brian Thomas Jr. is the last real playmaker standing. Hunter can shore up coverage and also form a dangerous downield duo with Thomas.
