Colorado Buffalos’ sensation Travis Hunter added yet another trophy to his case this week when he became the first Colorado player to win the Heisman this century and the first since running back Rashaan Salaam in 1994.
That was no surprise: the two-way player was heavily favored to win the Heisman. Entering the week, Hunter was the clear frontrunner to win the award, with odds of -4000, well ahead of other contenders such as Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty, Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel, and Miami’s Cam Ward.
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Now, the next big question for Hunter is what NFL team will draft him in 2025.
Hunter is an unconventional first-round candidate, known for his exceptional play on both offense and defense. Whatever team ends up drafting him will need to assess the value of his entire skill set.
Despite playing both ways this fall, Hunter doesn’t seem to tire, maintaining his effectiveness throughout games. As a cornerback, he remains a reliable tackler, and as a wide receiver, he retains the long speed to be a deep threat.
Whether at cornerback or wide receiver, Hunter has the potential to be a Pro Bowl-caliber player, offering an immediate upgrade on whichever side of the ball he plays.
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots, having selected Drake Maye third overall in 2024, aren’t likely to draft a quarterback at No. 1, whether it’s Hunter’s current teammate Shedeur Sanders or another top prospect.
With Maye as their future QB, the focus now shifts to surrounding him with talent, particularly a go-to receiver and a ball-hawking corner to fit defensive coach Jerod Mayo’s system.
Maye needs better weapons than Kendrick Bourne and Hunter Henry, and Hunter would immediately become the team’s top pass catcher. His versatility also makes him an intriguing option for the secondary, opposite Christian Gonzalez. With Hunter, the Patriots could address two key areas—playmaking on offense and defense—in one pick.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars are also unlikely to draft a quarterback with a top pick, at least as long as Trevor Lawrence recovers from his late-season injury. Instead, they need to address their struggling pass defense and depleted receiver corps.
With rookie Brian Thomas Jr. as the lone remaining playmaker, Hunter could strengthen their secondary and create a dangerous offensive duo with Thomas.
Jacksonville ranks 32nd in EPA per pass and second-to-last in pass defense, with a shaky cornerback situation. Tyson Campbell is the top corner, but Ronald Darby is aging, and rookie Jarrian Jones is primarily a nickel. Despite other investments, the Jaguars lack high-caliber play at cornerback.
Hunter would be an ideal fit for the Jaguars’ defensive needs. Even with potential changes after the season, his talent is too enticing for Jacksonville to pass on, making him a top target if available.
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New York Jets
The Jets, currently in a logjam of three-win teams from picks No. 3 to No. 8, could end up as high as No. 3 with games against the Rams and Bills ahead. They could greatly benefit from Hunter’s all-around skill set. Offensively, he’d provide a dynamic complement to Garrett Wilson on the outside. Defensively, he’d ease the potential loss of cornerback D.J. Reed in free agency.
With the Jets struggling in both receiving yards and points allowed per game, Hunter would be a major asset. If the team intends to keep aging quarterback Aaron Rodgers, bolstering both sides of the ball will be critical.
Hunter’s versatility makes him an ideal fit, offering an immediate upgrade to both the offense and defense. Adding him could help address key weaknesses and set the team up for long-term success, especially as they look to maximize Rodgers’ remaining window.
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