NFL Draft gossip is flying across news feeds hourly as the Green Bay showcase event approaches on April 24. Colorado’s multi-talented Heisman Trophy winner, Travis Hunter, is at the center of a wild trade rumor involving the Las Vegas Raiders.
Raiders Eye Bold Trade for Travis Hunter Ahead of NFL Draft
In an ESPN article focusing on his annual mock draft of trades, Bill Barnwell proposed the Raiders trade up to the Cleveland Browns’ spot at No.2, offering their sixth overall pick and a 2027 fifth-round selection for the opportunity to grab the brilliant Colorado Buffalo. Otherwise, Barnwell adds, “Travis Hunter is probably not making it to No.6”.
A recent College Sports Network 2025 NFL Mock Draft predicts Hunter will be selected as the second overall pick. Will that prompt a trade-up of the board for the two-way talent?
Moving down in this proposed trade gives the Browns the Raiders’ No.6 and No.37 picks in addition to their 2026 fourth-round pick and tight end Michael Mayer, the former Notre Dame standout, who Las Vegas selected No.35 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. Suppose Cam Ward is taken first overall and Shedeur Sanders doesn’t convince Cleveland at No.2. In that case, the option to trade down and land a premium offensive lineman or wide receiver could be appealing.
Barnwell adds, ” Adding extra picks makes sense, especially if they can add another 2026 selection.” He continues, “By dropping down four spots, they could still draft an impact player at No. 6, land another top-40 pick, and get a buy-low candidate in Mayer, who would pair well with David Njoku.”
The neon lights of the Las Vegas Strip would be an appropriate home for the glittering talents of Hunter, whose highlight-reel plays have dazzled college football fans in Colorado and at Jackson State.
The Buffaloes standout finished the 2024 college football season with 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns, hauling in 96 catches as a receiver and four interceptions as a cornerback, prompting “Lindy’s Sports” to rate Hunter as “one of the greatest prospects of all time.”
New Raiders coach Pete Carroll needs help at both cornerback and wide receiver positions. Las Vegas has struggled with its air attack following the departure of Davante Adams. Hunter gives new quarterback Geno Smith a valid No.1 receiver to compliment 2024 first-round selection Brock Bowers, who effectively operated as the premier receiving option for much of his rookie season at tight end.
Critically, Hunter also fills a critical need for the Raiders at defensive back, a position highly valued by Carroll. As gifted as he is at receiver, he is probably more natural at the corner, utilizing his raw instinct and experience as a pass catcher to shut down opposing receivers. Hunter allowed just 22 catches on 44 targets in 2024.
Las Vegas hasn’t seen a top playmaker in their defensive ranks since the days of legendary Raider Charles Woodson, the last defensive back to win the Heisman Trophy before Hunter. Raiders fans will love Hunter’s physicality on offense and defense.
KEEP READING: NFL Mock Draft: Travis Hunter As 2-Way, Shedeur Sanders at Dream Destination
Will Carroll and the Raiders front office enable the two-way star to swap Colorado black-and-gold for the famous silver-and-black? Barnwell adds that for Las Vegas, “this is their chance to land a transcendent player.”
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