Would Travis Hunter be the 1st pick in the 2026 NFL Draft?

TL;DR

Travis Hunter, a two-way player from Colorado, could be a top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft if he opts for a gap year after winning the Heisman Trophy. The Las Vegas Raiders may face a choice between him and quarterback Fernando Mendoza.

Key points

Travis Hunter won the 2024 Heisman Trophy.
He may take a gap year before the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Las Vegas Raiders could consider him for the first overall pick.

Travis HunterLas Vegas RaidersJacksonville JaguarsFernando Mendoza

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - APRIL 24: Colorado cornerback and wide receiver Travis Hunter smiles on stage during the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft on April 24, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images) | Getty Images Here’s a hypothetical. What if the Jacksonville Jaguars never drafted Travis Hunter at second overall in the 2025 NFL Draft — because they never got the opportunity to? Let’s say, hypothetically, that the two-way phenom decided to take a gap year after winning the 2024 Heisman Trophy and before entering the league. Let’s also assume that he’d continue training privately and not lose any draft stock (like Ja’Marr Chase opting out of his third college season). Would the Las Vegas Raiders consider taking Hunter over Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft? Choosing between the two most recent Heisman winners would be a nice problem to have. On one hand, the Raiders could pick a pro-ready prospect with the intangibles to be a potential franchise quarterback. On the other hand, they could pick a unicorn. It’s an interesting debate of positional value. Generally speaking, would you rather bet on the most important position in sports, or on a player who aims to play the most snaps in the sport? Beyond that, which individual prospect do you have more faith in between Hunter and Mendoza? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Q&A

Could Travis Hunter be the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft?

Yes, if he opts for a gap year and maintains his draft stock, he could be considered for the first overall pick.

Who are the top contenders for the 2026 NFL Draft?

The top contenders include Travis Hunter and Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, both recent Heisman Trophy winners.

What are the implications of Travis Hunter taking a gap year before the NFL Draft?

Taking a gap year could allow Hunter to train privately, potentially preserving or enhancing his draft stock for the 2026 NFL Draft.

Would Travis Hunter be the 1st pick in the 2026 NFL Draft?

TL;DR

Key points

Q&A

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