Former Super Bowl champ declares his pick between Colorado stars Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders for instant NFL impact

Colorado duo Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders are reportedly set to enter the 2025 NFL draft. However, fans and analysts have already had their say on the expectations for the two Buffs stars.

On Thursday's episode of ESPN's "First Take," former NFL star Jason McCourty was asked whether Sanders or Hunter would make an immediate impact in the big league. McCourty, who won the Super Bowl with the New England Patriots in 2019, picked the two-way star over CU's quarterback.

"I'm going for Travis Hunter on this one," McCourty said. "It makes so much sense. He's the best player in the draft. This is a guy that plays on the offensive side of the ball and on the defensive side of the ball."

McCourty, who played as a defensive back, outlined Hunter's ability as a cornerback. He also listed out the versatile Colorado star's accolades from this season, including the Heisman Trophy and being the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year.

Hunter finished the regular season with 1,152 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns on 92 catches. As a cornerback, he racked up 31 tackles, 11 passes deflected, four interceptions, and one forced fumble in 12 games.

Shedeur, on the other hand, had an excellent 2024 regular season as well. He posted 3,926 passing yards, 35 passing touchdowns, eight interceptions and four rushing touchdowns, leading the Buffs to a 9-3 record (7-2 Big 12). Shedeur was also named the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year.

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Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders to make final appearance for Colorado in Alamo Bowl

Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders - Source: Imagn

Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter are likely to suit up one last time for Colorado in the 2024 Alamo Bowl game. The Buffs will face Big 12 rival BYU in the Alamo Bowl on Dec. 28 at Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.

Both Shedeur and Hunter are projected as top 10 picks in the 2025 NFL draft. However, there is intrigue among fans and pundits on how both players will fare better in the big league.