Could the New York Jets actually turn out to be this fortunate?
In his latest (and extremely surprising) mock draft, NFL.com’s Maurice Jones-Drew predicts the Jets will land Heisman Trophy winner and two-way player Travis Hunter with the No. 7 overall pick.
Here are the top 10 picks of Jones-Drew’s mock draft 1.0:
- Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward, QB, Miami
- Cleveland Browns: Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
- New York Giants: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
- New England Patriots: Will Campbell, OL, LSU
- Jacksonville Jaguars: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
- Las Vegas Raiders: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
- New York Jets: Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
- Carolina Panthers: Jalon Walker, EDGE/LB, Georgia
- New Orleans Saints: Armand Membou, OL, Missouri
- Chicago Bears: TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State
“I’m guessing the Jets would be thrilled—and very surprised—to see the Heisman Trophy winner available here,” wrote Jones-Drew. “Hunter is a generational talent with the ability to play on both sides of the ball for a team that has plenty of room for improvement at both cornerback and receiver.”
Hailing from Collins Hill High School in Suwanee, GA, Hunter was a highly touted five-star recruit. The Florida native initially committed to Jackson State, where he spent his first college season.
During the 2022 season, Hunter was a dominating force on both sides of the ball for the Tigers. Across seven games, Hunter totaled 188 yards and four touchdowns on 18 total receptions as a receiver, while on defense, the cornerback compiled 19 total tackles, eight pass breakups, two interceptions, one fumble recovery, and one defensive touchdown.
Alongside his Jackson State teammate Shedeur Sanders, Hunter followed head coach Deion Sanders from Jackson State to Colorado, where he spent his final two college seasons.
During the 2023 season, Hunter appeared in nine games for the Buffaloes, reeling in 57 receptions for 721 yards and five touchdowns while posting 30 total tackles (two for loss), five pass defenses, and three interceptions on defense.
Hunter established himself as a generational talent during the 2024 season, taking home the Heisman Trophy after catching 96 passes for 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns on offense. He also recorded 36 total tackles (one for loss), four interceptions, and 11 passes defended on defense across 13 games.
The 21-year-old attended the NFL combine in Indianapolis as a cornerback, and many believe he will play the position full-time at the next level while also contributing on offense. However, the numbers show he is more than capable of excelling on both sides of the ball.
Ranked No. 3 overall on Mock Draft Database’s consensus big board, Hunter is unlikely to be available when the Jets pick at No. 7. However, if he is still on the board, it would be difficult for New York to pass on the Heisman Trophy winner.
The more regular names connected to the New York Jets at No. 7 are Penn State tight end Tyler Warren, Missouri offensive tackle Armand Membou, and Ole Miss quarterback Jackson Dart.
