NFL Draft Notebook: What makes Travis Hunter the top prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft

Colorado's Travis Hunter has made his intentions clear: he will declare for the 2025 NFL Draft. This decision is a no-brainer for Hunter, as he stands out as one of the top prospects in this year's class. In this week's NFL Draft Notebook, we break down the key traits that make Hunter such a unique athlete. The article also highlights five key things NFL Draft fans should watch for this week, including a major game in the Big Ten. Additionally, we provide the latest news and insights, including what has been so impressive about Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix's recent performances.

Travis Hunter's scouting report

The 2025 NFL Draft may lack a consensus choice for the number one pick, but it boasts a standout prospect in Colorado’s Travis Hunter. In fact the only thing holding Hunter back from being the sure bet to go number one overall is his that he plays two positions that rarely go that high having seen time at both cornerback and wide receiver.

Hunter’s talent is undeniable. In just ten games this season, he has already recorded 74 receptions, averaging a career-high 91.1 receiving yards per game. On defense, he has been equally impactful, breaking up 11 passes and intercepting three. His ability to shine on both sides of the ball makes him one of the most dynamic players in the draft class.

Hunter’s skill set translates exceptionally well to the NFL, particularly as a wide receiver. His athleticism is his greatest strength, enabling him to make difficult catches by adjusting to the ball mid-air. He thrives in contested situations, catching 8 of 11 passes thrown into traffic this season. This same agility makes him a threat after the catch, where his elusiveness helps him evade defenders in open space.

Speed is another key asset. Hunter is among the fastest wide receivers in the 2025 class, making him dangerous on both short routes that turn into big plays and vertical routes that stretch defenses. On defense, his speed and quickness are evident in his ability to close on routes, contributing to his three interceptions this season.

Consistency is another hallmark of his game. Over the past three seasons, Hunter has dropped just 4 passes, or 2.6% of his targets, showcasing his reliable hands. His ability to track deep balls adds to his reputation as one of college football’s premier playmakers.

While Hunter’s athleticism is elite, his game is still developing. He often relies on his natural ability rather than polished technique, which will need refinement at the NFL level. Part of this stems from his heavy workload at Colorado, where he’s used in multiple roles.

Injury history is another concern. Hunter missed three games last season and five during his senior year of high school. At 6-foot-1 and 185 pounds, his lack of bulk may also raise questions about whether he can excel on the outside in the NFL or if he’s better suited for a slot receiver role.

Hunter’s skill set is best suited for wide receiver at the next level. His agility, speed, and dependable hands make him a natural fit for the position. While he has shown flashes at cornerback, he has allowed a 63% completion rate on passes thrown his way this season, which suggests receiver might be his stronger position. Teams like the New England Patriots and Las Vegas Raiders could be ideal fits for Hunter, where his playmaking ability would add a dynamic edge to their offenses. With refinement and the right usage, Travis Hunter has the potential to be one of the NFL’s most exciting players.

Five things to watch this weekend

How does Caleb Williams hold up vs the Vikings 

Last week, Chicago rookie quarterback Caleb Williams delivered one of his best performances of the season against the Green Bay Packers. This is particularly encouraging, given that he’s adjusting to a new offensive system under the Bears' new offensive coordinator, Thomas Brown, who has implemented a more timing-based passing game and had Williams take more snaps under center. However, the real challenge may come this week as the Vikings are well-prepared for the Bears’ offense. Known for their ability to pressure the quarterback, the Vikings rank 6th in the NFL in sack rate, averaging a sack on 8.7% of dropbacks heading into Week 12.

Indiana vs Ohio State

One of the best stories of college football this season has been Indiana, who enters their game against Ohio State undefeated at 10-0 and ranked 5th in the nation. However, Ohio State will undoubtedly be their toughest challenge of the year. To pull off the upset, Indiana will need standout performances from NFL prospects such as quarterback Kurtis Rourke, wide receiver Elijah Sarratt, and linebacker Aiden Fisher.

Raiders rookie tight end Brock Bowers goes up against a tough Denver defense

The Raiders certainly got great value with their selection of Georgia tight end Brock Bowers at 13th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. Already in his rookie season, Bowers has racked up 70 receptions for 706 yards and three touchdowns, leading all NFL tight ends in both categories. This week, he faces one of his toughest challenges yet against the Denver Broncos defense, which is allowing only 190.7 yards per game. However, in their previous matchup on October 6th, Bowers caught 8 passes for 97 yards and a touchdown. Expect another strong performance from him this week.

Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson goes up against BYU

Arizona State's Jordyn Tyson is having an impressive season, already doubling his previous career highs with 58 receptions and nine touchdowns. He’s coming off his best game of the year, where he caught 12 passes for 176 yards and two touchdowns against Kansas State, earning Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week honors. This week, the Sun Devils face a tough challenge against 14th-ranked BYU. If Tyson can deliver another standout performance, Arizona State could secure a hard-fought win.

Marshall edge defender Mike Green

One defensive prospect to keep an eye on this weekend is Marshall's Mike Green, who is having an outstanding season and currently leads the FBS in sacks with 15. Green is generating significant NFL buzz, having earned a spot on The Athletic's Dane Brugler's top 50 prospect list, and could be selected as early as the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Scouts are particularly impressed with Green’s explosiveness off the ball. He also holds his own well against the run and excels at setting the edge as a run defender. On Saturday, Green and his team will face off against Old Dominion, and you can expect his name to be called frequently throughout the game.

NFL Draft news and notes

Bo Nix impressing: Bo Nix, a quarterback NFL Draft Notebook has been high on for several seasons, was named the most underrated quarterback heading into his final year at Oregon, and his recent performances have justified that recognition. Since Week 3, Nix has thrown 14 touchdowns to just two interceptions, ranking third in touchdown-to-interception ratio during that span, behind only Justin Herbert and Lamar Jackson. He is also coming off his best game of the season, throwing for a career-high 300 yards and four touchdowns against Atlanta, becoming the first rookie in NFL history to complete at least 80 percent of his passes while throwing for 300 yards and four touchdowns in a single game. With the Broncos not facing a significant challenge until Week 16 against the Chargers, Nix’s stellar play is likely to continue.

Giants will draft a quarterback: It seems all but certain that the New York Giants will draft a quarterback in the first round after benching Daniel Jones and demoting him to third-string. This decision was driven by two main factors: saving money on contract incentives and avoiding potential injury ramifications, as well as Jones’s poor performance this season. Currently, he ranks 32nd in passer rating, and the Giants are dead last in the NFL in points per game, averaging just 15.6 with him as the signal caller. Potential quarterback options for the Giants include Miami’s Cam Ward and Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders, both of whom could help revitalize the team’s struggling offense.

Jets replacement for D.J. Reed: In last week’s NFL Draft Notebook, we examined three defensive tackles the Jets might target in the 2025 NFL Draft. Another key position the team will likely need to address is cornerback, with D.J. Reed potentially departing in free agency this offseason. One possible second-round replacement is Ole Miss’s Trey Amos, a physical cornerback who has already recorded three interceptions this season and plays with a style reminiscent of Reed.

Senior Bowl invite: We have started to see players accept All-Star invites and one of the more intriguing ones is William and Mary offensive tackle Charles Grant accepting an invite to the Senior Bowl. This could be a big week for Grant because if he can hold up against FBS competition he could see his draft stock go from a late round pick to a possibile second day selection. The most impressive thing about Grant is his athletic ability as he looks extremely comfortable in space and would be an ideal fit in a zone blocking scheme.

NFL Draft sleeper: A sleeper to watch in the 2025 NFL Draft is Oklahoma State linebacker Collin Oliver, another recent Senior Bowl invitee. Oliver has flown under the radar this season due to a lower leg injury that sidelined him after just two games. However, when healthy, he flashes significant pass-rushing potential, boasting an explosive first step and the flexibility to bend the edge. These skills were on full display last season when he racked up 15.5 tackles for loss and six sacks. If Oliver can prove his health and showcase his abilities in Mobile, he could climb draft boards and emerge as an early Day 3 pick.

Returning to school: Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles is coming off a dominant performance against Northwestern and currently holds a third-round draft grade. However, expect Styles to return to school next season. Beyond the NIL money he stands to earn, the primary factor in his decision is his continued adjustment to the outside linebacker role he took on this season. While Styles is an ultra-athletic player, he needs to improve in key areas, such as consistently shedding blocks and refining his run fits. If he can add more weight to his frame this offseason and gain greater comfort within the Buckeyes’ defensive scheme, Styles could enter the 2025 college football season with a late first-round draft grade.