One of the most widely agreed-upon top prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft is Colorado star Travis Hunter, a rare two-way talent who excels as both a cornerback and wide receiver.
Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated recently shared what he’s been hearing from league insiders about Hunter’s draft stock — including potential team fits and player comparisons on both sides of the ball.
Travis Hunter Best Fits, Top Player Comps Ahead of NFL Draft
Before digging into the comparisons, Breer looked at teams where Hunter would fit, including the New York Giants, Cleveland Browns and Tennessee Titans, with his focus on defense.
“Which is why, for most teams, the plan would probably be to work him into the team the way Colorado did, with his focus on defense, and work down to incorporate him more and more over time into the offense. I’d see, for example, the Giants, Browns and Tennessee Titans getting started with him.”
Breer examined the New England Patriots’ situation, which would likely be the opposite.
“But there’s also the option, if you want, to do it another way. Take the New England Patriots, who are picking fourth. They have two really good corners, Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis III, and a huge need at receiver. So the Patriots could conceivably start working with him as a receiver, where he has a ton of room to grow, and slow-play assimilating him on defense.”
He then provided his comparison and insight into where Hunter should land in the draft.
“You legitimately get a handful of cracks at getting this right, and getting Hunter to an elite level as a pro. Which lessens the shot you’ll be wrong. As for comps, I’ve heard Stefon Diggs, DeVonta Smith and Garrett Wilson at receiver, and Darius Slay on defense.
“It doesn’t seem that crazy for a top-five pick until you think about what it would take for all of that ability to be in the same dude. I still have a lot more work to do on this. But I feel okay saying that if you take anyone other than Abdul Carter or a quarterback over Hunter, you’re probably making a big mistake.”
Hunter Lands With Patriots at No. 4 in Latest PFSN Mock Draft
In his latest 7-round mock draft, PFSN’s Ben Rolfe has Hunter landing at No. 4 overall to the Patriots, with Cam Ward, Abdul Carter, and Shedeur Sanders going before him.
“The New England Patriots have had a fantastic offseason, but they still have a few needs to fill. One of those is at wide receiver, though they also have questionable depth at cornerback. Travis Hunter could address both of those needs with one selection, which is a rare commodity to find,” Rolfe wrote.
“Opinions are split on whether Hunter should primarily be a cornerback or a wide receiver in the NFL, and New England might be the place where he can find that out in the easiest way possible. The Patriots have two studs at cornerback, so they do not need to rush Hunter into a full-time role in the defensive backfield. Meanwhile, he can play valuable snaps at wide receiver, proving his worth as a No. 1 receiver while having a smaller role on defense.”