Colorado Buffaloes legend Travis Hunter predicted to compete for two NFL awards as a rookie

Matthew Wadleigh

Colorado Buffaloes legend Travis Hunter predicted to compete for two NFL awards as a rookie image

The Jacksonville Jaguars made the first major move of the 2025 NFL Draft. The Jaguars traded up from No. 5 to No. 2 in a deal with the Cleveland Browns which ended up in Colorado star Travis Hunter being the second overall pick. 

Now, the Jaguars plan to play Hunter on offense and defense, which is what he did at Jackson State and Colorado. 

Hunter is fresh off a Heisman Trophy-winning season, and his two-way approach is something the NFL hasn't seen in quite some time. 

While it remains to be seen how much Hunter will play on each side, Dan Graziano of ESPN had a very bold prediction for Hunter, although it's not that unrealistic. 

"Jaguars two-way star Travis Hunter will finish in the top three of voting for Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year. I want to say he'll win both, but that seems like a long shot even for him. I just love Hunter's abilities and want to get him into my predictions in some way."

The Jaguars have a brand-new regime with Liam Coen as head coach and James Gladstone as the GM, and now Hunter is a massive attraction for the franchise for years to come. 

With Trevor Lawrence throwing him passes and Hunter's impressive ability at both wide receiver and cornerback, a potential top-three finish in both Rookie of the Year categories is not too farfetched. And, if he does end up on that side of the voting, it would be a historic first year for Hunter. 

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Matthew Wadleigh

Matthew Wadleigh is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. He was born and raised in Southern California and grew up a San Diego sports fan (yes, it’s tough, except for Aztecs hoops). Matthew went to Fresno State as a journalism major and got to see Davante Adams, Derek Carr, Paul George and Aaron Judge in person. Matthew has written for publications including ClutchPoints, Sportscasting, Fansided, Trojans Wire, UCLA Wire and Buffaloes Wire.