Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter face off in the most recent NFL Network mock draft.
The most recent NFL Network mock draft generated a wave of excitement in the sports world, but it wasn’t just the traditional names that caught the attention of fans and analysts alike. This year’s mock draft featured two unique and highly anticipated prospects who have been making waves not only in the college football world but also in broader sports discussions: Shedeur Sanders, the talented quarterback from Jackson State University, and Travis Hunter, the electrifying defensive back who is widely regarded as one of the most promising athletes of his generation.
Shedeur Sanders, the son of NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, has been nothing short of spectacular during his time at Jackson State. Under the guidance of his father, who is both the head coach of Jackson State and a former NFL star, Shedeur has blossomed into one of the top quarterbacks in college football. Meanwhile, Travis Hunter, a five-star recruit and one of the most highly touted defensive players in recent history, has quickly become a star in his own right. Known for his ability to dominate on both sides of the ball, Hunter is viewed by many as one of the most versatile and dangerous players entering the NFL Draft in recent years.
With their profiles rising and the spotlight on both players, it was only a matter of time before they found themselves in the conversation of the NFL Network’s most recent mock draft. The mock draft featured projections on where these two rising stars could land in the upcoming draft, igniting debates over their potential impact on the NFL and how their respective skill sets might translate to the pro level.
This article will take a deeper dive into the mock draft projections for Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter, analyze their college careers, explore their potential as NFL prospects, and examine the long-term implications of their future in the league.
Shedeur Sanders: The Quarterback With Legacy
Shedeur Sanders’ rise to prominence has been intertwined with the legendary legacy of his father, Deion Sanders. Deion, a two-sport athlete who made his mark in both professional football and baseball, is widely regarded as one of the greatest cornerbacks in NFL history. He’s known for his electrifying play on the field, his larger-than-life persona, and his flair for the dramatic. Shedeur, while forging his own path, has always been under the spotlight, with the weight of his father’s legacy hanging over him.
Despite the immense pressure, Shedeur has excelled at Jackson State, where he has shown a rare combination of poise, accuracy, and leadership that belies his age. As a freshman, Sanders took over the starting quarterback position and immediately made an impact. He was able to lead Jackson State to impressive victories and a SWAC (Southwestern Athletic Conference) Championship. Sanders’ ability to read defenses, make pinpoint throws, and execute at a high level has made him one of the most highly regarded quarterbacks in college football.
In his sophomore season, Sanders continued to develop, improving his decision-making and showcasing his ability to perform in clutch situations. He demonstrated the skills necessary to be successful in the NFL, including an ability to throw on the run, make quick decisions under pressure, and take command of a game when needed. His stats—along with his leadership—made him one of the top quarterbacks to watch in the upcoming draft.
Strengths and NFL Projection
Shedeur Sanders’ skill set is a blend of traditional quarterback attributes and modern-day flair. His accuracy, arm strength, and ability to make plays outside the pocket are attributes that NFL scouts look for in a franchise quarterback. The key to Sanders’ success at the next level will be his transition from the FCS (Football Championship Subdivision) to the NFL’s more competitive landscape. While his dominance at Jackson State is undeniable, the NFL represents a whole new challenge, with more experienced defenses and stronger competition.
As a result, many experts have projected Sanders as a first-round pick, with some even suggesting that he could be a top-five pick depending on his performance at the NFL Combine and the pre-draft process. Teams looking for a quarterback of the future, one who is poised, accurate, and capable of handling pressure, would do well to target Sanders as a key building block for their offense.
Travis Hunter: The Ultimate Dual-Threat Player
If Shedeur Sanders is the quarterback with a legacy, then Travis Hunter is arguably one of the most unique and electrifying players in this year’s draft class. What makes Hunter so special is his versatility. As a freshman at Jackson State, Hunter played both wide receiver and cornerback—two positions that require drastically different skill sets. His ability to perform at an elite level on both sides of the ball is something few players have shown in recent years.
Hunter’s defensive abilities are where he truly shines. As a cornerback, he’s known for his incredible speed, agility, and ball skills. He’s a lockdown defender who can erase top wide receivers from the game. Hunter’s instincts on the field are uncanny, often making him a playmaker who can turn the tide of a game with a timely interception or pass breakup.
On the offensive side, Hunter has demonstrated exceptional hands, route running, and the ability to make spectacular catches in critical situations. His ability to stretch the field and make explosive plays makes him a dual threat that is extremely rare in today’s football landscape. His skills as both a cornerback and wide receiver earned him a lot of attention during his time at Jackson State, and he became a player who was highly sought after by NFL scouts.
Strengths and NFL Projection
Hunter’s talent as a two-way player could make him one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. His skills at cornerback would likely see him projected as a first-round pick, but it’s his potential as a two-way player that could elevate his stock even further. NFL teams could view Hunter as a player who could contribute on both sides of the ball, which would give him a rare level of versatility and value. As a cornerback, Hunter could be a Day 1 starter for most teams, and his potential as a wide receiver adds an extra layer of excitement to his draft stock.
NFL scouts have praised Hunter’s athleticism, work ethic, and intelligence on the field, and many believe that he can make an immediate impact in the NFL. His ability to play both offense and defense is something that can be an asset to any team looking for a dynamic playmaker who can contribute in multiple ways. As a result, Hunter could be a top-10 pick, with some analysts even suggesting that he might be the first player off the board depending on team needs.
Shedeur Sanders vs. Travis Hunter: The Mock Draft Battle
The most recent NFL Network mock draft pitted Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter against each other in an interesting battle for top billing. While both players are immensely talented, their skill sets and potential paths to the NFL are quite different.
Shedeur Sanders is being heralded as a potential franchise quarterback, and with the NFL’s ongoing search for top-tier quarterbacks, Sanders’ skills and leadership could make him an ideal pick for teams that are in need of a long-term solution under center. The ability to develop Sanders into a top-level NFL quarterback, given his pedigree and college success, could make him a prime target for teams at the top of the draft looking to start fresh with a new quarterback.
Travis Hunter, on the other hand, presents a unique and rare talent. His ability to play both wide receiver and cornerback gives him the kind of versatility that NFL teams are always looking for. While Sanders is seen as a potential franchise quarterback, Hunter is viewed as a weapon that can impact the game in multiple ways. This versatility gives him a higher ceiling in terms of what he could bring to an NFL team.
Both players come from Jackson State under the tutelage of Deion Sanders, and both have benefitted from the spotlight that Deion’s coaching has afforded them. As a result, both Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter are high-profile draft picks who will likely receive significant attention from NFL teams. However, the question remains: which player is more valuable to an NFL team, and where do they fit in the larger scheme of the 2025 NFL Draft?
