2025 NFL Draft: New Favorite Emerges for No. 2 Pick
Now just days away from the festivities in Green Bay, Vegas oddsmakers indicate that there have been changes in the 2025 NFL Draft: New Favrite Emerges for the No. 2 Pick. FullTime Fantasy keeps our Members updated on this surprising change and what it means for the rest of the top-5 teams. A New Favorite Emerges As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, set to kick off on April 24, the betting odds are shifting dramatically, with Colorado’s Travis Hunter now favored to be selected as the No. 2 overall pick. The Heisman Trophy-winning two-way star has captured the attention of NFL scouts, analysts, and oddsmakers alike, surging ahead of other top prospects in the latest Vegas books. This development marks a significant turn in the pre-draft narrative, highlighting Hunter’s unique talent and the growing belief that he could be the next big thing in the NFL. A Meteoric Rise in the Odds Just days ago, the race for the No. 2 pick—held by the Cleveland Browns—was a toss-up among several high-profile prospects, including Hunter’s Colorado teammate Shedeur Sanders and Penn State’s Abdul Carter. However, following Colorado’s Pro Day and recent comments from Browns GM Andrew Berry, Hunter’s stock has skyrocketed. Meanwhile, Sanders’ odds have slipped to +750, and Carter has been overtaken by Hunter in the betting markets, with reports on April 6 indicating Hunter’s edge at No. 2. This shift isn’t entirely surprising to those who’ve followed Hunter’s remarkable college career. The 6-foot-1, 185-pound athlete dominated on both sides of the ball in 2024, excelling as a cornerback and wide receiver for Deion Sanders’s Colorado Buffaloes. His stat line—96 receptions for 1,258 yards and 16 total touchdowns on offense, paired with lockdown coverage on defense—earned him the Heisman Trophy and cemented his status as a generational talent. Now, Vegas oddsmakers are betting that the Browns see him as too good to pass up at No. 2. Why the Browns Are Eyeing Hunter The Cleveland Browns, coming off a disappointing 2024 season with a 3-14 record, hold the No. 2 pick behind the Tennessee Titans, who are widely expected to select Miami quarterback Cam Ward at No. 1. With Deshaun Watson’s tenure in Cleveland mired in controversy and inconsistent play, the Browns could pivot to a quarterback like Sanders. However, Hunter’s versatility and immediate impact potential appear to be swaying opinions in the front office. Andrew Berry, the Browns’ GM, has reportedly made comments that have fueled speculation about Hunter being a “strong possibility” at No. 2. While Berry hasn’t explicitly named Hunter, his praise for a prospect with “elite traits on both sides of the ball” aligns perfectly with the Colorado star’s profile. The Browns’ roster also needs the move. They lack a true No. 1 wide receiver after trading Amari Cooper, and their secondary could use a dynamic playmaker opposite Denzel Ward. Hunter, who could start at cornerback while moonlighting as an offensive weapon, fits the bill as a rare two-way threat. Analysts have noted Hunter’s crisp route-running and ball skills, showcased during Colorado’s pro day, as further evidence of his readiness for the NFL. A video circulating on X from Caesars Sportsbook highlighted his smooth footwork, drawing comparisons to elite NFL receivers. At +190 earlier in the week, Hunter was already gaining traction, but the latest odds reflect a growing consensus that Cleveland sees him as a cornerstone player. The Competition Falls Behind Hunter’s rise has come at the expense of other prospects. Shedeur Sanders, once a contender for a top-two selection, has seen his odds lengthen. Meanwhile, Abdul Carter, Penn State’s explosive edge rusher, had been neck-and-neck with Hunter for the No. 2 spot. However, as of early April 6, posts on X and updates from Pro Football Talk indicate that Hunter has pulled ahead, with Carter’s odds slipping in the wake of Hunter’s momentum. This shift underscores a key draft trend: while quarterbacks often dominate the top picks, elite talent at other positions can break through when the fit is right. The last non-quarterback to go No. 2 was Aidan Hutchinson in 2022, and Hunter’s unique skill set could make him the next exception. What This Means for the Draft If Hunter goes No. 2 to the Browns, it could set off a chain reaction. The Giants, picking third, might then target Carter to bolster their defense. Teams like the New England Patriots (No. 4) and Jacksonville Jaguars (No. 5), both of whom have been linked to Hunter, would need to pivot to other options—perhaps Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan or Texas’ Kelvin Banks Jr. For bettors, Hunter’s current odds at +180 offer value, especially as some platforms still list him as high as +220. 🚨 NFL Draft Bet 🚨 Travis Hunter 2nd Overall Pick (+220) 1U on Rebet Reports coming out about Hunter being a strong possibility at 2 plus Andrew Berry’s comments on Hunter make anything above +150 a bet for me. pic.twitter.com/Xkpos1EJ4G — Sunny Boy (@SunnyBoyBets) April 5, 2025 Hunter’s ascent also raises an intriguing question: Could he challenge Cam Ward for No. 1? While Ward remains the overwhelming favorite at -1200 to go to the Titans, Hunter’s odds to be the top pick have hovered around +3400, with occasional surges (as high as +140 earlier in the year) when Titans execs hinted at prioritizing a “generational talent.” For now, though, No. 2 seems to be his landing spot, and Vegas is banking on it. In fact, the Titans caneled their workout with Hunter, all but cementing Ward as the top pick. A Star in the Making Travis Hunter’s journey from a two-way college phenom to a top NFL draft prospect has been nothing short of extraordinary. His ability to dominate at cornerback and wide receiver has drawn comparisons to legends like Deion Sanders and Champ Bailey, and his work ethic—averaging an FBS-high 111.5 snaps per game—sets him apart. Whether he sticks to one position or becomes the NFL’s first true modern two-way star, Hunter is poised to make an instant impact. As
2025 Dynasty Rookie Rankings: Top IDP Players
2025 Dynasty Rookie Rankings: Top IDP Players In addition to the growing popularity of Dynasty leagues, fantasy football fanatics are also growing to love Individual Defensive Player (IDP) leagues. Marrying the two into IDP Dynasty leagues increases the fun. For football fans interested in the next wave of defensive players, FullTime Fantasy‘s 2025 Dynasty Rookie Rankings: Top IDP Players has you covered. Also, check out our Dynasty Dashboard and the top 10 rookie tight ends to target in 2025. IDP Overview As the 2025 fantasy football season approaches, dynasty managers in IDP leagues are gearing up for rookie drafts. This year’s defensive class is loaded with talent, particularly at edge rusher and linebacker. The group offers a mix of immediate contributors and high-upside prospects. This 2025 IDP rookie class is stacked with edge rushers who could deliver immediate sack production, alongside a few tackle machines at linebacker and safety. Travis Hunter’s unique dual-threat potential adds intrigue, but his value will depend heavily on your league’s settings. Prioritize players like Carter, Walker, and Pearce for their pass-rush upside, while Stutsman and Schwesinger offer tackle floors that can anchor your lineup. Keep an eye on the 2025 NFL Draft for landing spots, as scheme fit and opportunity will refine these rankings. For now, these 2025 dynasty rookie rankings: top IDP players are the ones to target as you build your dynasty IDP roster for the future! 1. Abdul Carter, EDGE (Penn State) Carter is the crown jewel of this IDP rookie class. A versatile defender who has lined up both as an edge rusher and off-ball linebacker, he led the Big Ten in tackles for loss (22) and sacks (11) in his final college season. His explosive athleticism and relentless motor make him a likely top-10 NFL Draft pick, and he could be an instant fantasy star if he lands with a team that maximizes his pass-rushing role. Target him early—he’s a potential cornerstone for your IDP roster. 2. Travis Hunter, CB/WR (Colorado) Hunter is a unique case, as his fantasy value hinges on how his NFL team deploys him. And how your league scores him. A Heisman winner with elite ball skills, he posted 96 receptions for 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns as a wide receiver. He also excels as a cornerback, with six interceptions and 10 passes defended. If your league allows dual-position scoring (offense and defense), Hunter could be the No. 1 overall rookie pick. Even as a corner-only IDP, his playmaking ability makes him a high-upside target. However, corners are typically less valuable unless they rack up tackles or picks. 3. Jalon Walker, EDGE/OLB (Georgia) Walker’s blend of speed and versatility makes him a tantalizing IDP prospect. Capable of playing off the edge or as a sideline-to-sideline linebacker, he recorded eight tackles and three sacks in a single game against Texas in 2024. His athletic profile suggests he’ll be a Day 1 NFL starter, and his ability to generate sacks and tackles makes him a prime target for fantasy managers seeking a multi-category contributor. 4. Mason Graham, DL (Michigan) Interior defensive linemen rarely top IDP rankings, but Graham’s disruptive presence is an exception. A projected top-5 NFL Draft pick, he combines first-step quickness with power, tallying 3.5 sacks and a career-high tackle count in 2024. If he lands with a team that lets him penetrate and chase down quarterbacks, Graham could be a rare DT worth targeting early in rookie drafts, especially in leagues that reward sacks heavily. 5. James Pearce Jr., EDGE (Tennessee) Despite a slight dip in production (7.5 sacks in 2024 after 10 as a sophomore), Pearce remains one of the most explosive pass rushers in this class. His speed off the edge and bendy frame draw comparisons to elite NFL rushers, and he’s likely to be a first-round pick. Pearce’s fantasy value will soar if he joins a defense that lets him pin his ears back and hunt quarterbacks, making him a top-tier IDP target. 6. Nic Scourton, EDGE (Texas A&M) Scourton led the Big Ten with 10 sacks in 2023 at Purdue before transferring to Texas A&M, where he continued to flash his pass-rushing prowess. At 6-foot-4 and 280 pounds, he has the size and strength to hold up against the run while still generating pressure. He’s a safe bet for consistent sack production as a rookie, making him a reliable mid-round IDP pick. 7. Jihaad Campbell, LB (Alabama) Campbell is widely regarded as one of the top linebacker prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft. At 6’3″ and 244 pounds, the Alabama junior combines ideal size, explosive athleticism, and versatility. In 2024, he led the Crimson Tide with 117 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and 5 sacks, earning first-team All-SEC and All-American honors. His 4.52-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine highlights his elite speed, while his ability to blitz, cover, and stop the run makes him a three-down player. Despite a recent shoulder surgery for a torn labrum, he’s projected as a late first-round pick, offering high-impact potential for any NFL defense. 8. Carson Schwesinger, LB (UCLA) Schwesinger is a riser in this class after a breakout senior year at UCLA. A one-year starter, he showcased elite production and instincts, though his average size and speed cap his ceiling slightly. Still, his potential to rack up tackles in the right scheme makes him a sneaky value pick, likely available in the second round of IDP rookie drafts. 9. Nick Emmanwori, S (South Carolina) At 6-foot-3 and 227 pounds, Emmanwori is a physical freak who could play safety or linebacker in the NFL. His size and tackling ability (he’s a high-efficiency tackler) suggest he’ll thrive near the line of scrimmage, where safeties can pile up fantasy points. If he’s the first safety off the board in the NFL Draft, expect him to climb IDP boards as a rookie with top-24 potential at his position. One of the fastest risers after the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine. 10. Mykel Williams, EDGE (Georgia) Williams rounds
