As the NFL Draft approaches, speculation continues to grow regarding where Colorado star Travis Hunter will land. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. has made a bold prediction, projecting that the New York Giants will select Hunter third overall, adding one of college football’s most versatile talents to their roster.
Hunter, known for his elite two-way ability, excelled both as a wide receiver and cornerback for the Colorado Buffaloes, tallying 1,258 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns on offense, while also racking up 36 tackles and four interceptions on defense. With his skill set, Hunter could impact the NFL on either side of the ball, but Kiper believes his future lies at wide receiver.
“Hunter is my top-ranked prospect in the class, and though I currently see him as a receiver in the pros, he could also play cornerback for New York,” Kiper wrote in his latest mock draft. “He can make a massive impact on either side of the ball, and he’ll likely see at least some time on both sides.”
Pairing Hunter with rising star Malik Nabers
If the Giants select Hunter, he would join forces with Malik Nabers, one of the most electrifying young wide receivers in the NFL. Nabers had a record-breaking rookie season, leading the Giants with 1,204 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, despite missing time due to injury.
His impact was immediate, and adding Hunter to the lineup would give the Giants one of the most dynamic receiver duos in the league. Kiper envisions this potential combination as a game-changer for New York’s offense.
“Perhaps the Giants take his ball skills and quickness and drop him at receiver opposite Malik Nabers to form a solid supporting cast around whomever is under center,” Kiper said. “Perhaps they look at his elite instincts and finally land a true CB1. Either way, this pick would be clutch for a struggling Giants team.”
Solving the Giants’ quarterback dilemma
While Hunter and Nabers could be a nightmare for opposing defenses, there is still a major concern in New York’s quarterback situation. With the team parting ways with Daniel Jones, there’s no clear answer at who will lead the offense in 2025.
Kiper suggests that the Giants may look for a veteran quarterback, mentioning Matthew Stafford and Sam Darnold as potential options. If they secure a proven signal-caller in free agency or through a trade, it would allow them to use their top draft pick on Hunter rather than selecting a quarterback.
A strong quarterback combined with a Hunter-Nabers duo could revitalize the Giants’ offense and help the franchise rebound from a disappointing 3-14 season.
Hunter’s future: Offense or defense?
One of the biggest questions surrounding Hunter’s draft stock is whether teams will use him primarily as a wide receiver or as a cornerback. While he has elite skills on both sides of the ball, Kiper believes his offensive playmaking ability gives him the edge as a receiver.
However, some teams may view him as a shutdown cornerback, a role that New York has lacked in recent years. If the Giants ultimately draft Hunter, it will be interesting to see how they utilize his unique skill set.
As the NFL Draft nears, all eyes will be on whether the Giants take Kiper’s advice and make Hunter their next star, or if another team jumps at the opportunity to land the two-way phenom. Either way, Travis Hunter is poised to be one of the most exciting prospects of 2025.
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