The 2024 season was a two-horse race—Travis Hunter vs. Ashton Jeanty. Talent vs. talent. The Heisman was on the line. And Hunter? He ran away with it. With the hardware in hand, he carried the Buffs to glory. But now, as both of them are making their NFL moves, the tides are shifting. Hunter’s draft stock isn’t bulletproof, and Jeanty’s lurking, ready to flip the script. Now, if things shake out a certain way, Travis might watch Ashton get the last laugh—and that’s a plot twist nobody saw coming.

Let’s get straight to the point. So, Travis Hunter currently ranks high on the NFL draft boards as a projected first-round pick and the third overall prospect in 2025. Ashton Jeanty follows closely behind at No. 12. However, there’s an intriguing development—NFL Rookie Watch recently revealed that there could be a shift in the draft dynamics. Due to changing priorities, Jeanty might surpass Hunter in the draft selections. This unexpected twist could completely alter the expected draft order.

Scouts now predict that teams might choose 12-15 running backs within the first three rounds, signaling a significant change in draft strategies. While teams typically avoid selecting running backs early, the demand for them this year is unusually high. Plus, Ashton Jeanty’s position at the top of the running back list highlights his rising value. If teams prioritize the running game over selecting a WR/CB combo, Travis Hunter could potentially lose his top spot in the draft rankings. Now it’s just an added pressure on his already shaky NFL two-way game stance.

We all know Hunter’s desire to play two-way, but the NFL might have other plans. Despite his continuous grind, the official Combine list has designated him as a cornerback, making his pro league even path more challenging. In the NFL, his future hinges on teams valuing his expertise in one position over his versatility across both. Even an NFL executive candidly expressed concerns, stating, “There’s no doubt he’s a generational athlete, but I’m not sure he’s a generational CB or WR, to be completely honest.” This isn’t just doubt; it’s a significant red flag.

See if we look statically, Hunter’s got the offensive fireworks (92 receptions, 1,152 yards, 14 touchdowns), but the NFL’s a whole different game. His defensive stats (31 tackles, 11 pass deflections, 4 interceptions) are decent, but he’s also given up 32 yards per game and six TDs in coverage. That’s a big worry compared to Shavon Revel Jr. (20 yards, 2 TDs allowed). It makes Hunter’s two-way experiment even harder, especially with guys like Ashton Jeanty also in the spotlight. Now Jeanty’s draft stock is rising at an opportune moment, changing the narrative.

Ashton Jeanty’s increasing stocks

Well, the NFL is abuzz about Ashton Jeanty for good reason. He elevated Boise State’s status and is now drawing first-round attention. Despite his loyalty to the Cowboys, CFB analyst Dalton Wasserman believes the Raiders should draft him at No. 6. Wasserman argues that Jeanty is not just an ordinary RB but a game-changer that teams cannot overlook.

Wasserman noted: “If I’m the Raiders at six, let’s say maybe they sign, if it’s Russell Wilson for a year or two or Sam Darnold to like a three-year deal, right, and they want to go the veteran route at quarterback, I go. Why would Jeanty be off the board at six? I don’t think there’s any reason he should be off the board at six.”  It’s evident that the Raiders not only require a QB but also a dependable RB, especially with Ameer Abdullah and Alexander Mattison becoming free agents.

So, Ashton Jeanty’s looking like a top 10 pick, no doubt. And get this—there’s already some “illegal tampering” going on behind the scenes. He was recently on Kevin Clark’s show talking draft plans, and Clark asked him about all the behind-the-scenes stuff. Jeanty’s response? He’s already had offers from ten different teams! Apparently, these teams reached out through his coach or someone else. Jeanty himself admits it’s not exactly kosher. He spilled the tea but kept the team names secret, even though he said ten teams were interested.

But let’s be real, while Jeanty’s making headlines, Travis Hunter’s the real deal. He’s not just hype; he’s built different. His exceptional catching ability and unmatched agility make him stand out. Furthermore, his historic feat of three interceptions and a pick-six in two games sets him apart, as no FBS player has achieved this in two decades. No wonder analysts are keen on securing him as a defensive star. The question remains: who will come out on top in the NFL Draft, Hunter or Jeanty?