ESPN Analyst Names Best Player In 2025 NFL Draft

Despite his ranking, Reid doesn't anticipate Hunter garnering the No. 1 choice next month. His latest mock draft has the New England Patriots snagging Hunter with the No. 4 pick after Ward, Shedeur Sanders, and Carter.

Reid also explained how he would utilize the two-way star at the pro level.

"Hunter is my top player in this class and a rare prospect, even beyond his two-way ability," Reid wrote earlier this month. "His spatial awareness, quickness, and ball skills are unique no matter where he plays. I'd put Hunter full time at corner and sprinkle in 20-25 plays a game at receiver. The Patriots need to stack talent, and Hunter gives them an A-plus start in that quest."

ESPN has Hunter second to Carter atop its draft board, but CBS and Pro Football Focus give Hunter the No. 1 spot.

Hunter may not go first, as the Titans could prefer a franchise quarterback. The same could apply for the next two teams, but the New York Giants may be less inclined to take a signal-caller after signing Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston.

NFL.com's Bucky Brooks changed his Giants prediction from Sanders to Hunter in a mock draft published shortly before they signed Wilson. However, Reid doesn't believe the veteran acquisition eliminates Hunter's former Colorado teammate from consideration at pick No. 3.

"Don't think the Russ deal keeps the Giants out of the QB market at No. 3 overall," Reid wrote. "If anything, it doesn't put them in a bind if Ward-Sanders are picked at the top. Russ or Jameis is your experienced veteran starter, and they can now possibly go [best player available]."

Based on Reid's rankings and draft projections, that could be Hunter.