Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders drew 31 NFL scouts representing 19 teams to their last first day of school Thursday night, Colorado’s 31-26 win over North Dakota State. Sanders threw for 445 yards and four touchdowns – three to Hunter.
NFL Draft expert Dane Brugler of The Athletic ranks Sanders as the second-best quarterback (18th overall player) on his 2025 Big Board at the dawn of the college season. Brugler’s top player at the position is Georgia’s Carson Beck, who leads the No. 1 Bulldogs into their season-opener Saturday against No. 14 Clemson (12 p.m. ET, ABC).
Brugler said Beck actually made his top 50 late last October but decided to return for a second season as the Georgia starter. His second season is expected to be different than his first.
“The Georgia offense didn’t demand creativity from its quarterback last season,” Brugler said, “but more will be expected of the senior now that three of his top four pass-catchers are in the NFL.”
One of those targets was tight end Brock Bowers, selected by the Las Vegas Raiders 13th overall in the 2024 draft. Nonetheless, there’s good reason Brugler expects Beck to be the first quarterback called in Green Bay at the 2025 draft.
“A good-sized passer, Beck has a strong arm, natural feel for timing and a calming, efficient process — the tools to have a Matt Ryan-like NFL career,” Brugler said.
Hunter, meanwhile, did nothing to disappoint in Colorado’s Thursday opener. A fascinating two-way starter, Hunter played 43 snaps on defense. As a receiver, he caught seven passes for 132 yards. One of his three touchdowns was a smooth, 41-yard jaunt.
After the Super Bowl, one of the biggest NFL storylines will be whether Hunter – the No. 3 overall name on Brugler’s draft board – will play both offense and defense as a pro. While the Brandon Aiyuk contract might help Hunter’s decision, the NFL hasn’t seen a player like this since Charles Woodson. Brugler answered the question rhetorically.
“Is Hunter a wide receiver or a cornerback prospect? Both. And that is not a cop-out answer, but the correct answer.”