When it comes to the 2025 NFL Draft, only two names are usually at the top of several mock drafts: Abdul Carter and Travis Hunter. In NFL.com writer Daniel Jeremiah's final Big Board, Hunter surpassed Carter as the top prospect of this year's draft class.
This change in Jeremiah's rankings not only heightens the anticipation around the first overall pick but also emphasizes Hunter's meteoric ascent as a generational two-way prospect set to make NFL history.
Travis Hunter Becomes Draft's Most Coveted Prospect
Travis Hunter's dominance at both cornerback and wide receiver under Coach Deion Sanders has been nothing short of electrifying. His elite athleticism, ball skills, and game-changing plays have caught the attention of scouts and analysts alike. Jeremiah, who initially had Hunter at No. 2, now lists him as the top overall player in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Hunter's versatility provides him with a distinct value proposition not often found at the pro level. Whether it's shutting down elite receivers or becoming one himself, he's projected to be a dynamic presence from Day 1.
For Pacman Jones, a former Tennessee Titans star, Hunter should be the No. 1 overall draft pick. Although the young football player can play two positions, Jones believed that he could excel better at the cornerback position.
Abdul Carter Falls to No. 2 but is Still an Elite Prospect
Penn State's Abdul Carter fell a peg, but his value is still high. One of the most dominant defensive linemen in college football, Carter's pass-rushing skills and sideline-to-sideline speed make him a plug-and-play 'backer with Pro Bowl potential.
According to Bleacher Report, Jeremiah still regards Carter as a "game-wrecker," and if Hunter goes No. 1 overall, Carter should be swooped up right away, probably by a team looking for a defensive anchor.
Ashton Jeanty, Mason Graham, and Jalon Walker Complete Top Five
Completing Jeremiah's top five are Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty (No. 3), Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham (No. 4), and Georgia edge rusher Jalon Walker (No. 5).
Jeanty's physical running style, Graham's interior dominance, and Walker's edge-bending explosiveness are a testament to the depth of this year's defensive talent. Each possesses a high motor and NFL-ready skill set to bring to teams in need of impact players.
Cam Ward Headlines QB Class, Holds No. 8 Spot
While Jeremiah's top seven is dominated by non-quarterbacks, Miami's Cam Ward stands alone as the highest-ranked signal-caller at No. 8. Ward has widely been projected as the first overall pick, with the Tennessee Titans heavily linked to him.
Ward's combination of arm strength, accuracy, and poise under pressure has made him a standout in a quarterback class that lacks depth but has top-tier talent at the top.
Browns Have a Difficult Choice With No. 2 Pick
Once Tennessee picks Ward presumably first, everyone's attention will shift to the Browns at No. 2. The team has a high-profile decision to make: pick ultra-versatile Travis Hunter or defensive behemoth Abdul Carter.
Selecting Hunter would bring an elite playmaker on both sides of the ball, while Carter might be inserted right away into the pass rush unit alongside Myles Garrett. It's a football decision that would determine the fate of the Browns for a decade.
Rising Stars and Late Movers on the Board
A few other names to mention from Jeremiah's final board are wide receiver Matthew Golden, who rose from No. 16 to No. 14, and edge rusher Shemar Stewart, who moved up to No. 23. These late risers should be going higher than they were initially expected to.
All of these could happen on Thursday, April 24.
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