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Travis Hunter Projected to Join $36 Million NFL QB

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By J.C. Shelton | Last updated Dec 25, 2024 6:00 AM ET

The 2025 NFL Draft is just around the corner, and Colorado wide receiver/ cornerback Travis Hunter could be in the running for one of the top honors in football.

The Heisman Trophy, the Bednarik Award, the Biletnikoff Award, the Walter Camp Player of the Year Award – Hunter certainly stacked his trophy case this season. His run may not be over, either, as he contends to become the No. 1 overall pick.

Hunter (6-foot-1, 185 pounds) led the Big 12 Conference with 92 receptions for 1,152 yards and 14 receiving touchdowns. The two-way star also totaled 32 tackles with 11 pass breakups (led the Big 12) and four interceptions.

According to CBS Sports' latest 2025 NFL mock draft by Ryan Wilson, Hunter is projected to land at No. 2 overall to the New England Patriots. And Miami quarterback Cam Ward goes first overall to the New York Giants.

Wilson believes Hunter is the best athlete and best player in the 2025 class. The question, however, is what side of the ball he will play on at the next level.

Hunter played nearly every snap for the Buffaloes this season, but a similar output in the NFL could be too much to ask.

"Travis Hunter is the best athlete — and the best player — in this draft class. We've had otherworldly cornerbacks and wide receivers in previous classes, but he's a twofer, able to dominate on both sides of the ball and take over games," Wilson wrote. "The big question: where will the team that drafts him want him to play? And if it's, say, at cornerback, how big will be the package of offensive plays for Hunter? Because lining up for 120 snaps a game, like he's done for the Buffs, isn't sustainable in the NFL."

The Patriots' offense has struggled mightily this season, ranking 30th in points per game (17.3) and dead last in the league in passing offense (178.5 yards per game).

New England drafted former North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye with the No. 3 overall pick last spring, signing him to a four-year, $36 million deal. While he has shown flashes of ability as a rookie, Maye likely needs a weapon or two like Hunter on the outside.

The draft will have to wait, for now, as Hunter and No. 23 Colorado (9-3) prepare for the Valero Alamo Bowl against No. 17 BYU (10-2). That game will be held in San Antonio on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET (ABC).

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

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