Travis Hunter Linked to Patriots, Panthers by NFL Scouts as 2025 Draft Landing Spots

It remains to be seen if University of Colorado two-way superstar Travis Hunter will primarily play wide receiver or cornerback when he makes the move to the NFL, but regardless of how he is utilized, the top-flight talent is already being linked to teams that figure to have high picks in the 2025 NFL draft.

Speaking to ESPN's Jordan Reid and Matt Miller, an NFC East scout pointed to the New England Patriots as a good fit for Hunter, saying: "I love him in New England. Yes, they have issues to address up front for the young quarterback [Drake Maye], but I'm not taking any of these offensive tackles as high as they will be picking."

An AFC scouting director chose the Carolina Panthers as a team that should go after Hunter, saying: "Outside of [defensive tackle] Derrick Brown, I don't see any star-caliber type of players at any spot on that roster."

Hunter was the No. 1 overall recruit in college football when he shockingly committed to play under Deion Sanders at FCS Jackson State, and ever since following Sanders to Colorado, he has proved why he is deserving of that distinction.

Last season, Hunter excellence as both a wideout and a corner, finishing with 57 receptions for 721 yards and five touchdowns on offense, as well as three interceptions and five passes defended on defense in nine games.

Given that Hunter missed some time due to injury, there were questions regarding whether he could continue to be on the field for over 100 plays per game on both sides of the ball consistently, but he has largely silenced the doubters thus far in 2024.

Through five games, Hunter is a legitimate Heisman Trophy candidate by virtue of his 46 catches for 561 yards and six scores, and his two interceptions, three passes defended and one forced fumble for the 4-1 Buffaloes.

It is difficult to envision Hunter not focusing on one position at the NFL level, but even if he does, the Patriots and Panthers are both teams that would benefit greatly from his presence.

In New England, Hunter would likely be a receiver given that they already have a budding star at corner in Christian Gonzalez.

Also, since Drake Maye figures to be the full-time starting quarterback next season after they took him third overall in this year's draft, the Pats would be wise to go get him an elite weapon.

As for the Panthers, quarterback can't be ruled out as a possibility near the top of the 2025 draft since 2023 No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young has been benched, but there is perhaps no sure thing at the position.

Colorado's Shedeur Sanders, Miami's Cam Ward, Georgia's Carson Beck and Alabama's Jalen Milroe are among the signal-callers vying to be the first one off the board in the 2025 draft.

If the Panthers aren't enamored with them, getting a star skill-position player the caliber of Hunter would help them build a strong talent base and perhaps allow them to wait until the 2026 draft to take a quarterback with Texas' Arch Manning being the top target.