2025 NFL Draft: Which Cornerbacks Will Dominate? A Deep Dive into Hunter, Johnson, and Barron

The 2025 NFL Draft is shaping up to be a cornerback-rich affair, with several prospects vying for the title of CB1. While the draft is still a year away, early evaluations and performances are providing a glimpse into which players could dominate at the next level. Among the names generating the most buzz are Travis Hunter, Will Johnson, and Jahdae Barron, each bringing a unique skill set to the table.

Travis Hunter: The Two-Way Sensation

Travis Hunter of Colorado has captured the imagination of NFL scouts and fans alike. Winning the Heisman Trophy in 2024, Hunter is a rare talent who excels on both sides of the ball, playing cornerback and wide receiver at an elite level. In 2024, Hunter averaged an FBS-high 111.5 snaps per game. Hunter also maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA while playing more snaps than any other FBS player, becoming the first player in NCAA history to win the Heisman Trophy, the Chuck Bednarik Award (top defensive player), and the Biletnikoff Award (top receiver) in the same season.

Hunter’s versatility presents a unique challenge for NFL teams. Should he focus on offense, defense, or continue to contribute on both sides of the ball? Browns GM Andrew Berry has said he projects Hunter as a WR first, while Titans HC Brian Callahan has said he views Hunter as a starting CB with the ability to “inject” in on offense.

Strengths:

Exceptional Ball Skills: As a receiver, Hunter boasts excellent hands and route-running ability, which translates to his cornerback play. He can anticipate routes, high-point the ball, and create turnovers.
Fluid Athlete: Hunter’s athleticism is evident in his smooth transitions, quick feet, and ability to cover ground.
High Football IQ: Hunter’s understanding of the game is advanced, allowing him to make plays on both sides of the ball.

Weaknesses:

Durability Concerns: Playing both ways at the NFL level is physically demanding, raising concerns about Hunter’s long-term durability.
Position Uncertainty: Teams must decide where Hunter’s talents are best utilized, which could impact his development.

Will Johnson: The Prototype Cornerback

Will Johnson from Michigan entered the 2024 college football season as a likely first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Johnson possesses the size, athleticism, and intelligence to excel as a boundary cornerback in the NFL. Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing around 194 pounds, Johnson has the ideal frame to match up against bigger receivers. Johnson was the Defensive MVP following Michigan’s win over Washington in the National Championship. Johnson started 22 games for the Wolverines and held both Marvin Harrison Jr. and Rome Odunze in check during the 2023 season.

Strengths:

Size and Length: Johnson’s height and arm length allow him to disrupt receivers at the line of scrimmage and contest catches.
Fluid Movement Skills: Despite his size, Johnson moves with impressive fluidity, allowing him to mirror receivers and change direction quickly.
Instincts and Awareness: Johnson has a knack for reading routes and anticipating throws, leading to interceptions and pass breakups.

Weaknesses:

Injury History: Johnson missed the second half of the 2024 season due to injury, raising concerns about his durability.
Long Speed: Some scouts question Johnson’s long speed, which could limit his ability to cover deep routes against faster receivers.

Jahdae Barron: The Versatile Playmaker

Jahdae Barron of Texas is a versatile defensive back who can play multiple positions in the secondary. Barron played more than 300 slot snaps for the Longhorns during both the 2022 and 2023 seasons before moving to outside corner in 2024, where he played nearly 700 snaps. Barron is very reactive in coverage and quick to trigger on the ball, which helps explain his eight career interceptions.

Strengths:

Versatility: Barron’s ability to play cornerback, safety, and nickel back makes him a valuable asset for any defense.
Physicality: Barron is a physical player who isn’t afraid to mix it up in run support or press coverage.
Ball Skills: Barron has a nose for the ball, consistently creating turnovers and making plays in coverage.

Weaknesses:

Size Limitations: At 5-foot-11, Barron may be considered undersized by some teams, potentially limiting his ability to match up against bigger receivers.
Consistency: Barron can be prone to occasional lapses in coverage, requiring further refinement in his technique.

Other Names to Watch

While Hunter, Johnson, and Barron are the headliners, several other cornerbacks could emerge as top prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Shavon Revel: East Carolina, Revel is the ideal Day 2 athletic alien to draft and develop despite inconsistent anticipation and technique in his current form.
Maxwell Hairston: Kentucky, Hairston is a feisty competitor who likes to get his hands on receivers in bump-and-run coverage from off-coverage techniques.
Trey Amos: Ole Miss, Amos has all the makings of a No. 1 cornerback in the NFL.
Jabbar Muhammad: Oregon, Muhammad projects as a nickel cornerback at the NFL level.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 NFL Draft promises to be an exciting one for cornerback enthusiasts. Travis Hunter’s unique two-way ability, Will Johnson’s prototypical size and skill set, and Jahdae Barron’s versatility make them intriguing prospects. As the college football season progresses, these players will have the opportunity to solidify their draft stock and prove why they deserve to be considered among the top cornerbacks in the nation.