Mel Kiper Jr. tabs Travis Hunter as a 'generational talent' ahead of 2025 NFL Draft

The Tennessee Titans said that they would not pass on “generational talent” with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

That type of starpower is few and far between in the NFL, but this draft class may bost two: Two-way star and Heisman Trophy-winner Travis Hunter, and the standout pass-rusher from Penn State, Abdul Carter. Longtime NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. explained who he’s picking between the two stars based on that criteria.

“If you say generational talent, I’m taking Travis Hunter,” Kiper Jr. told Field Yates on First Draft on Monday afternoon. “If I’m looking at that, Travis Hunter is the guy, I think. He can be an elite receiver. He can be a heck of a corner, you can figure that out. Abdul Carter as a pass rusher, you could go that route. I would have no problem with that. But if you’re picking the best player in the draft, it’s Travis Hunter or Abdul Carter. Those are the top two.”

Offensively, Travis Hunter totaled 1,258 yards and a Big 12-leading 15 touchdowns in 2024. As a defensive back, he added 36 tackles and four interceptions. He will bring a unique skillset to Las Vegas, or whichever team drafts him.

However, Carter has been tabbed with the ‘generational talent’ monicor from multiple NFL Draft analysts as well. After all, Carter had been a dominating force for Penn State throughout his time in Happy Valley. All told, he spent three seasons with the program, amassing 173 total tackles, 23 sacks, five forced fumbles and one interception. Carter totaled 12 sacks in 2024 alone.

However, Kiper can’t help but believe Hunter is the one player than teams may regret passing up — especially the Tennessee Titans with the No. 1 overall pick.

“What he does is effortless,” Kiper continued. “And I tell you, he is so smooth. You don’t realize how fast he is because he’s such a smooth athlete. He’s so smart, he’s so tough, his stamina, endurance levels are through the roof. I’m taking Travis Hunter.”

While the team said they won’t pass on talent to that level, reports emerged on Super Bowl Sunday that Tennessee may not be committed to using that pick. Instead, the Titans are open to trading out of the top slot for the right deal.

If the Titans draft out of the spot, it could be because they’re considering taking a quarterback this cycle. The top two QBs in this year’s NFL Draft are widely considered to be Colorado‘s Shedeur Sanders — Hunter’s teammate in Boulder — and Miami‘s Cam Ward. One of them could very well be heading to Nashville by the end of April as well.