Former NFL GM sends clear message to the Patriots after watching Travis Hunter's Heisman-winning season

Travis Hunter has been in the spotlight after the Colorado Buffaloes completed their 2024 season. The two-way star is now reportedly set to enter the 2025 NFL draft. Several NFL teams are monitoring Hunter, who was crowned with the Heisman Trophy just a couple of weeks ago.

Since the New England Patriots are on course to get the top draft pick this year, the team's former general manager, Rick Spielman, has urged the Patriots to draft Hunter if they can. During an appearance on CBSSports on Wednesday, Spielman was asked whom the Patriots should draft if they get the No.1 pick, and the analyst suggested the versatile CU star.

"I would go with Travis Hunter," Spielman said. "If you look at their (Patriots) draft class this year, besides Drake Maye, they are not getting any production out of any of these draft picks."

"And can you imagine Huner, not only having an impact on the offensive side of the ball but also the defensive side of the ball as well. In my 30-something years of doing this, I've never seen a more dynamic athlete than I did than evaluating Hunter."

Hunter, who picked up eight major individual honors, including the Heisman, recorded 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns on 96 receptions as a receiver. He also posted 36 tackles, 11 passes defended, four interceptions, and a forced fumble as a cornerback.

The Patriots (3-13) will have the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL draft if they lose against the Buffalo Bills in Week 18 on Sunday. That would put them in pole position to draft Hunter if they choose to take the dual-threat Colorado player to New England.

Travis Hunter was urged to focus on one position by NFL legend

Colorado two-way star Travis Hunter (Image Source: Getty)

While Travis Hunter's two-way ability has drawn plenty of attention from fans and pundits alike, Pro Football Hall of Famer Rod Woodson has urged the CU star to stick to one position if he declares for the NFL this year.

"I just think if you are burning candles at both ends of the stick, he (Hunter) could play well, but the likelihood that he's going to be great at both, but that's not likely. Not in the National Football League," Woodson said to TMZ.

Woodson played 17 years in the NFL and won the Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens in 2001. While Hunter has shown that he can dominate both sides of the field at the college level, it will be interesting to see if he can maintain that spark in the big league.