With the conclusion of the regular season, many of the 2025 NFL Draft prospects have finished their collegiate careers. Many players choose to avoid injury and sit out post-season games while transitioning to focusing on training for the NFL Scouting Combine. With many players’ playing careers over, we surveyed team sources to see who they thought was the best prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft. The top-graded player often does not match the player with the most media hype. Still, this year, that is the case as Colorado cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter edged Penn State edge rusher/linebacker Abdul Carter for the most votes as the top-rated prospect. Hunter received four votes, and three team sources said Carter.
The 6-foot-1, 185-pound Hunter has had a legendary season with 92 receptions for 1,152 yards, with 14 touchdowns receiving and one rushing. He has 31 tackles with four interceptions, 11 passes broken up, and a forced fumble on defense. There is still some debate and differing opinions about his usage in the NFL, but many feel Hunter should be a full-time corner with a package for the offense but not a full-time workload at wideout.
“Hunter is the best player in the draft, Carter is very solid too,” said an NFC general manager.
Carter (6-3, 250) was a tough defender for the Nittany Lions this season, playing edge rusher and linebacker. In 2024, Carter has 60 tackles with 10 sacks, two forced fumbles, and three passes broken up.
“Both players play premium spots and have really good upside,” said an NFC national scout. “Carter is just bigger, more position multiple, and has been very productive.”
Both Hunter and Carter are going very high in my latest 2025 NFL Mock Draft. A lot can change in the months to come, but at the end of the college football season, Hunter is edging Carter as the top prospect in the draft, according to multiple team sources.
