NFL Draft Bible: Cornerbacks

A star-studded cornerback class.

Ric Serritella

Apr 22, 2025

∙ Paid

RANKINGS: TOP 100 || QB || RB || WR || TE || OT || OG || C || DT || ER || LB || CB || S

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PLAYER PROFILE KEY (How to read the prospect header):

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TIER 1 PROSPECTS -- FRANCHISE TALENT

Combine: 6002 | 188 | 0918 | 3138 |7678 | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a

One-Liner: A generational talent who has played iron man football as a lockdown cornerback and explosive wideout, while averaging 120 snaps per game over the past two seasons.

Evaluation: The number one overall rated player on our big board, Hunter possesses elite ball instincts, along with rare athleticism, fluid movement skills and top-level speed. Famous for his two-way play at both wide receiver and cornerback, the Coach Prime protege could look to have a similar career projection in the NFL. First and foremost, Hunter is best at cornerback, a position that most/all NFL teams value over wideout. His size, quickness, along with his ability to read-and-react to the quarterback places him in a class of his own. Hunter has proven to be able to stick with anyone in man coverage, or can adjust to playing in zone and has shown a propensity for creating turnovers. In fact, he registered four games in 2024, in which he scored a touchdown and offense and registered an interception on defense, the definition of a game-changer. While his route running could use some refinement, Hunter owns explosive big play ability, is extremely elusive in the open field and will make opponents pay severely when he gets the ball out in open space. Another great attribute is his ability to contort his body in mid-air like no other. Hunter is said to have a strong passion and love for the game. He projects as a true ‘Slash’ player in the NFL. Depending on which team selects Hunter and what their team philosophy is will ultimately dictate his role at the next level. It would be recommended to start him at corner, build a sub-package of plays around him on offense and let him return punts or kicks when a big return is needed late in the game. The Heisman Trophy winner could very well be the second coming of his head coach, Deion Sanders.

Quotable: “I think he’s proven that he needs to play on both sides of the ball. I think it’s easier for him to be on the field all the time as a defensive player. And then, offensively, coming in on certain plays. “I think that is so much easier. What’s the point in certain run downs, where you know it's a run, to have him on the field going in there scooping out a safety. Could he do it? Yeah. Could I get another guy to do that? Probably.” – Chiefs TE and podcast host Travis Kelce on Travis Hunter

Background: The most decorated non-quarterback in NCAA history, according to the Colorado website. Some might agree. He was the consensus national player of the year and won the Heisman, Walter Camp, AP, and Sporting News National Player of the Year Awards, the Bednarik and Lott IMPACT Trophy for national defensive player of the year, the Paul Hornung Award as the nation's most versatile player and the Biletnikoff Award as the nation's best receiver. He was also honored as Sports Illustrated's Breakout Athlete of the Year and was a unanimous first-team All-American, earning seven first-team All-America honors from the five publications recognized by the NCAA for consensus and unanimous honors. Currently engaged to his high school sweetheart, Leanna Lenee and is planning a wedding for May 2025. The couple has taken a lot of heat on social media over their relationship, especially after the Heisman Trophy presentation, which has been well documented online. They host a YouTube channel together. He also has a Twitch channel. Including one season at Jackson State, Hunter played in a total of 30 games in college, eight at Jackson State and 22 at Colorado. Majored in psychology. Has attained a perfect 4.0 grade point average in two of his four semesters at CU-Boulder and has a cumulative GPA above a 3.80. Regularly makes time for children wishing to meet him or have him sign an autograph, knowing what an impact that could have on a young person, often spending hours so each kid can have their own photo and own autograph from him. Participated in 7-Eleven and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals inaugural “Cleat Crew” project over the past few months and his cleats raised over $10,000 for Children’s Hospital Colorado, which he has visited on multiple occasions. A consensus five-star recruit; career offensive numbers include 272 receptions for 3,963 yards and 48 touchdowns, 29 rushes for 158 yards and two touchdowns, and 4-of-8 passing for 118 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions. Career defensive numbers include 116 tackles, 19 interceptions, 18 pass breakups, four tackles for loss, three fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles and one quarterback hurry. Also played point guard on the basketball team at Collins Hill High School. Was known to always get in trouble as a youngster in Florida. He purchased a house for his mother and younger brother in Savannah, Ga with his NIL earnings. Father, Travis Hunter Sr. was sentenced to 90 days in prison in September 2023 for a crime that occurred in 2023. He was released three weeks early on December 5, 2024, due to good behavior. Love to fish. Declared early; invited to NFL Scouting Combine.

TIER 2 PROSPECTS -- PRO BOWL TALENT

Combine: 5106 | 194 | 0948 | 2958 | 7348 | 4.39 (1.50), 23.30 | n/a | 35” | 10-03 | n/a | n/a

One-Liner: A clutch player with elite read-and-react skills, along with inside/outside versatility and a propensity for creating turnovers.

Evaluation: An aggressive ball-hawk who brings the juice, Barron started two years at nickelback before switching to the boundary this past year and emerging as one of the top prospects in the nation. He possesses sound footwork, superb change of direction and extensive experience playing zone coverage. The knock on Barron will be his lack of ideal size and speed, although he owns a compact frame, which enables him to contribute in the run game, as he’s a solid tackler who swarms to the football. He also tends to get beat deep on occasion. Overall, his high football IQ, natural instincts (16 pass deflections and five interceptions in 2024) and experience playing on the biggest of stages would all seem to equate as a starting caliber cornerback at the next level with the upside to develop into one of the best.

Quotable: "With me knowing and understanding all the positions, it benefits me just to be out there to communicate with other people, to understand the route concepts, to understand what’s the stress when I’m in the slot, what’s the stress when I'm at the boundary. I’m most definitely comfortable playing outside, safety or in the slot.” -- Jahdae Barron on how he envisions his role at the next level

Background: Named All-American FIrst Team and Thorpe Award winner in 2024. Known for his playful personality off the field and business demeanor on the field. A four-star recruit, also competed in track. Majored in physical culture and sports. Son of Techonia Davis; has five siblings. NFL Combine invite.

Combine: 6016 | 194 | 0918 | 3018 | 7578 | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a

One-Liner: A rare blend of size and instincts, along with top-notch technique, plus big time pedigree whose career was marred by a turf toe injury which limited his time.

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