Abdul Carter’s draft stock falls as Travis Hunter becomes favorite to be picked No.2 overall

Travis Hunter gains in draft stock after impressive outing at the Colorado Buffaloes Pro Day and the Deion Sanders slip-up about Browns.

Abdul Carter’s draft stock falls as Travis Hunter becomes favorite to be picked No.2 overall

Abdul Carter, Travis Hunter (Images via SI/Bleacher Report)

Travis Hunter is now the betting favorite to be selected second overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. According to DraftKings, the Colorado star sits at -130 to be the No. 2 pick, overtaking Penn State defensive end Abdul Carter, who now holds +100 odds.

The hike in betting odds seems to be a reaction to the latest revelation by Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders. Sanders revealed that the Cleveland Browns might draft either Hunter or his teammate Shedeur Sanders with the second overall pick at the University of Colorado Pro Day. The claim is backed by the casual name drop of Browns owner Jimmy Haslam and the presence of the entire Browns’ personnel at the event.

Hunter, who won the Heisman Trophy in 2024, has drawn attention for his rare ability to play at a high level on both sides of the ball. He excelled as a wide receiver and a cornerback, making him one of the most unique prospects in recent memory.

Hunter is the kind of player who can help a team in more than one way. It’s not often you find someone who can start on both offense and defense. That’s hard to pass up.

A league scout said

Hunter caught 96 passes for 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns last season, while also collecting four interceptions and 35 tackles on defense. His production has made a strong case for him as the best all-around player in the draft.

The first overall pick seems locked in. Miami quarterback Cam Ward is a heavy -5000 favorite, making it very likely he goes No. 1. Furthermore, it seems that the Tennessee Titans, who hold the first overall pick, are moving away from Shedeur Sanders. Both of these combined put the spotlight on the second pick, owned by the Cleveland Browns.

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Some scouts still believe Abdul Carter brings more positional value as a pass rusher, but others argue Hunter’s versatility makes him the smarter choice. He offers an immediate upgrade to any team’s secondary and receiving corps.

Jaxson Dart also sees draft stock increasing as the New York Giants show interest

As Travis Hunter continues to climb draft boards with the second overall pick now within reach, another name is quickly gaining traction—Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart. The New York Giants, who had a strong presence at Colorado’s Pro Day primarily to evaluate Hunter, are now also being linked to Dart as a potential second-round option.

Jaxson Dart
Jaxson Dart (Image via Imagn Images)

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Giants have shown significant interest in Dart, despite already holding veteran quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston. While Hunter appears to be their likely first-round target, Dart could be a high-upside developmental quarterback to pair with him.

Dart has impressed scouts since the NFL Combine, moving from a projected mid-round pick to a possible late first-round selection. Teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers, New Orleans Saints, and Cleveland Browns are also in the mix. The Pittsburgh Steelers at No. 21 are seen as a realistic landing spot. The Steelers are almost confirmed as the landing spot for Aaron Rodgers, who could be a helping hand in developing Dart.

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If the Giants truly value Dart, they may need to act quickly—possibly trading back into the first round to secure him. Pairing Dart’s rising stock with Hunter’s elite two-way potential could give New York a dynamic and forward-thinking draft haul.