2025 NFL Mock Draft: Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders Lead Historic Top Two Picks
As the 2024 college football and NFL seasons progress, all eyes turn toward the highly anticipated 2025 NFL Draft. With a wealth of talent emerging across various college programs, the top of the draft promises to feature groundbreaking selections. Colorado stars Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders are currently projected to go No. 1 and No. 2 overall, marking an unprecedented moment in draft history. Here’s a closer look at the players, the teams likely to select them, and the ripple effects their selections could have across the league.
Travis Hunter: A Generational Talent for the Jacksonville Jaguars
Travis Hunter, a two-way star excelling as both a cornerback and wide receiver at Colorado under head coach Deion Sanders, is expected to be the first overall pick. The Jacksonville Jaguars, sitting at 2-8 and struggling to regain form despite having Trevor Lawrence, are projected to select Hunter. His rare ability to impact games on both sides of the ball has drawn comparisons to Hall of Famer Charles Woodson.
The Jaguars’ need for Hunter is glaring. Their defense has been inconsistent, particularly in pass coverage, and Hunter’s elite ball skills and coverage ability would immediately bolster their secondary. Additionally, his potential as a wide receiver could make him an offensive weapon alongside Trevor Lawrence. Hunter’s versatility allows Jacksonville to address multiple issues with a single pick, making him an ideal choice for a franchise looking to rebuild .
Shedeur Sanders: The Giants’ New Franchise Quarterback
Shedeur Sanders, the son of Deion Sanders, has steadily risen as one of college football’s most polished quarterbacks. Known for his pocket presence, accuracy, and leadership, Sanders is projected to go second overall to the New York Giants. With Daniel Jones struggling to cement himself as the franchise quarterback, the Giants appear ready to turn the page. Sanders represents a fresh start and fits seamlessly into a rebuilding effort under a new offensive system .
The Giants have already started accumulating young talent on offense, including wide receiver Malik Nabers and tight end Theo Johnson. Pairing Sanders with these players creates the foundation for a dynamic, youth-oriented offense. The Giants’ fanbase, yearning for sustained success, would welcome Sanders as a high-upside talent capable of leading the team for years to come.
Comparing Hunter and Sanders
The selection of two Colorado players at the top of the draft underscores the remarkable work done by Deion Sanders at Boulder. Both Hunter and Shedeur Sanders have been pivotal in Colorado’s resurgence, with their standout performances earning national attention. Hunter’s dual-threat capabilities and Sanders’ precision passing have made them must-watch players and elite NFL prospects.
The uniqueness of their talents highlights the diversity of skills at the top of this draft class. Hunter, with his athleticism and versatility, is one of the most electrifying players in recent memory, while Sanders brings composure and intelligence to the quarterback position, elevating teammates around him .
Quarterbacks Dominate the Top 10
Beyond Hunter and Sanders, quarterbacks are expected to dominate the early selections. Teams like the Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, and Las Vegas Raiders are all predicted to target signal-callers in the first round.
•Tennessee Titans: After mixed results with Will Levis, the Titans may consider adding Tetairoa McMillan, a towering wide receiver from Arizona, to support their offense. However, if Levis falters further, they could pivot to a quarterback .
•Cleveland Browns: With Deshaun Watson’s tenure in question, Cleveland could target Miami’s Cam Ward, an explosive passer with the arm talent to thrive in Kevin Stefanski’s system .
•Las Vegas Raiders: The Raiders face uncertainty at quarterback and might aim for Alabama’s Jalen Milroe, a dual-threat talent capable of reshaping their offensive identity .
Other Key Prospects and Team Needs
The 2025 NFL Draft is not just about quarterbacks. Several other elite prospects are poised to make an impact, filling critical gaps for various teams:
•Will Johnson (CB, Michigan): The New Orleans Saints are projected to draft Johnson to rebuild their secondary following Marshon Lattimore’s departure. Johnson’s size and coverage skills make him a cornerstone for any defense .
•Malaki Starks (S, Georgia): Miami Dolphins could benefit from Starks’ versatility and athleticism in their defensive backfield as they seek to solidify their safety position .
•Ashton Jeanty (RB, Boise State): The Arizona Cardinals, looking to add power to their running game, might draft Jeanty to complement Kyler Murray. Jeanty’s bruising rushing style makes him an intriguing fit for the Cardinals’ offense .
The Giants’ Rebuild and the NFC East
The selection of Shedeur Sanders has broader implications for the NFC East. If Sanders develops into a franchise-caliber quarterback, the Giants could pose a significant challenge to the division’s current leaders, including the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys. Paired with emerging offensive weapons, Sanders has the tools to make the Giants competitive in a division often defined by its intense rivalries.
Potential Risks and Rewards
While Hunter and Sanders are undoubtedly talented, every draft pick carries risk. For Hunter, questions about durability could arise given his two-way usage in college. Transitioning to the NFL as a dual-role player is rare and demanding. For Sanders, adapting to the speed and complexity of NFL defenses will be critical. However, their respective skill sets and work ethics suggest they can overcome these challenges.
Conclusion: A Draft to Remember
The 2025 NFL Draft is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in years, with game-changing players like Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders headlining the class. Their projected selections by Jacksonville and New York signal a turning point for both franchises and underscore the transformative power of this draft class. As teams finalize their scouting reports and fans eagerly await the draft, one thing is certain: the 2025 NFL Draft will leave a lasting legacy on the league.
This moment not only celebrates the exceptional talents of Hunter and Sanders but also highlights the growing influence of Deion Sanders in shaping the next generation of NFL stars. From Colorado to the NFL, these players are poised to make history, and the league will be better for it.
