Travis Hunter Falls in NFL Mock Draft After Major Trade For Quarterback

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By J.C. Shelton | Last updated Jan 29, 2025 9:06 PM ET

Considered one of the best overall prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft, Travis Hunter is projected to drop behind the top five picks after a trade for a familiar quarterback.

The Colorado wide receiver/cornerback took college football by storm as a junior in 2024, earning Heisman Trophy honors while helping the Buffaloes to a 9-4 season.

Hunter (6-foot-1, 185 pounds) played the majority of snaps, including 1,360 snaps in total, on both sides of the ball in his final collegiate campaign. And despite the heavy load, the former five-star recruit's production did not suffer.

Hunter excelled the most at receiver, posting the nation's second-most touchdown catches (15) and the fourth-most receiving yards (1,258). Defensively, he finished second in the Big 12 with 11 pass break-ups and added four interceptions.

The question, now, for the most decorated player in Colorado history, is where he will fit in the NFL draft.

Hunter comes in at No. 2 overall to the Cleveland Browns in Blake Brockermeyer's latest projection for CBS Sports. Similarly, the Browns take Hunter with the second overall pick in USA TODAY Sports' latest mock draft.

However, CBS Sports' Chris Trapasso projects an intriguing trade for the No. 2 spot, dropping Hunter to the sixth overall pick.

In this scenario, the Las Vegas Raiders trade with the Browns for the No. 2 pick and select Hunter's former teammate, Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders.

Both the Browns and Raiders have a need at quarterback, along with the Tennessee Titans (No. 1 pick) and New York Giants (No. 3).

Trapasso projects Cleveland to pass up the opportunity for a top quarterback this year, while potentially setting up a chance to take a player at the position in what "should be a better class" in 2026.

"Travis Hunter would be such a fun add to this Browns team, and this decision sets the table for a potential ascension for a quarterback -- if needed -- in what should be a better class at that position in 2026," Trapasso wrote. "The Browns send No. 2 and No. 103 (fourth-rounder) to Las Vegas and get the Raiders' first-rounder next year and No. 73 (third-rounder) in this draft."

Trapasso projects the Titans to take Penn State EDGE Abdul Carter at the top spot with Sanders next off the board. The Giants take Miami quarterback Cam Ward, followed by LSU offensive tackle Will Campbell to the New England Patriots and Michigan cornerback Will Johnson to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Nothing is certain at this point, especially with projected trades, as the pre-draft process is just beginning. The Senior Bowl is in full swing this week ahead of the NFL combine (Feb.27-March 2).

The 2025 NFL Draft will take place from April 24-26 in Green Bay, Wisc.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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