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Pro Football Hall of Famer and Colorado football head coach Deion Sanders believes that his team could have four first-round picks in the NFL draft, including his son (quarterback Shedeur Sanders) and two-way star Travis Hunter.
“Certainly, we have two guys that are positioned to go in the top five in the draft [Sanders and Hunter], but I think we’re going to have two more that’s going to sneak in that first round,” Sanders said at Big 12 media days on Wednesday (h/t ESPN’s Kyle Bonagura).’
As for the others, Sanders said: “Let me give you B.J. Green. I’m not going to tell you the fourth.”
Green is an edge-rusher who transferred from Arizona State. He’s coming off a 39-tackle, six-sack season.
Bleacher Report’s way-too-early 2025 NFL mock draft from last April has Hunter going fifth overall and Sanders slotting in at No. 14. No other Colorado players made the cut.
Hunter could easily be a top-five choice, given his incredible athletic versatility.
Obviously, NFL players don’t participate on both sides of the ball on a full-time basis, but Hunter, whose primary position is cornerback, could in theory moonlight as a wideout on the next level, like his current coach did.
“The ‘D’ on Travis Hunter’s chest above says it all,” the B/R NFL Scouting Department wrote, referring to the letter representing the word ‘dawg.’
Sanders could very well be QB1 from a draft class that has no clear leader at the position going into this year. Any of a number of players could take those reins, including Georgia’s Carson Beck, whose gotten some good recognition after a successful 2023 season. Sanders is getting some love as well, and he can certainly fulfill his father’s draft vision.
Green getting shouted out by Sanders certainly raises eyebrows, and he’ll be one to watch as Colorado looks to improve a struggling defense. As for that mystery fourth player, it’s unclear. Per the latest NFL Mock Draft Database 2025 big board, Sanders’ son, safety Shilo Sanders, is the highest-remaining CU player at No. 132. Wide receiver Will Sheppard is next at No. 242.
For now, though, CU has an upcoming season to worry about. Game 1 is Aug. 29 against North Dakota State.
