Travis Hunter has been making waves in college football, showcasing his incredible talent on both sides of the ball for Colorado. As the Heisman winner, he has proven to be a formidable player, but as he prepares for the NFL, experts are weighing in on where he might best fit in the professional ranks. NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah has some thoughts on this topic that are worth exploring.
Hunter’s Dual Threat: A Unique Talent
Travis Hunter is not just any player; he’s a rare breed. Playing both wide receiver and defensive back at an elite level has set him apart from many prospects. His ability to excel in different roles has led to discussions about his future in the NFL. Will he continue to shine on both sides, or will he have to focus on one position?
Jeremiah, who regularly evaluates NFL draft prospects, sees Hunter as an enticing option for teams looking to bolster their rosters. He believes that while Hunter has the skills to play both offense and defense, the NFL may require him to specialize. “Most times when you have guys that can do the two-way thing, they major in defense and minor in offense,” Jeremiah explained on The Pat McAfee Show. This raises an important question: can Hunter truly thrive in the NFL if he’s split between two positions?
Jeremiah’s Perspective: Offense Over Defense
Jeremiah has a strong opinion on where Hunter might excel the most. “I actually like him better at receiver than I do at corner,” he stated. Given Hunter’s size—hovering around 170-175 pounds—Jeremiah believes that asking him to play cornerback in the NFL, where physicality is heightened, could be a challenge. “Asking him to get involved in the run game is a different animal,” he added.
With this in mind, Jeremiah has projected Hunter to go No. 2 overall in his first 2025 NFL Mock Draft to the Cleveland Browns. He sees Hunter as a potential game-changing offensive weapon for the team, rather than a player who “moonlights” on defense. This perspective creates a compelling narrative for Hunter’s future, emphasizing the importance of finding the right fit for his unique talents.
Glazer’s Take: Cornerback is the Likely Path
While Jeremiah champions Hunter’s offensive potential, Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer offers a contrasting viewpoint. After reaching out to 13 different GMs and head coaches, Glazer found that the overwhelming majority favored Hunter as a cornerback. “The one GM who said ‘I would put him at wide receiver’ did so because of his elite ball skills,” Glazer reported. However, the consensus was clear: teams see Hunter as a cornerback first, given the scarcity of shutdown corners in the league.
This raises an interesting dynamic. While Hunter may have the skills to shine on offense, the NFL’s demand for top-tier cornerbacks could dictate his path. Even if he starts as a corner, Glazer noted that teams would look to create offensive packages for him. This flexibility could allow Hunter to showcase his skills on both sides of the ball, but it also underscores the reality of the NFL’s competitive landscape.
Woodson’s Insight: A Hall of Famer’s Opinion
Adding to the conversation is Charles Woodson, a Hall of Famer and a player who, like Hunter, was known for his two-way prowess. Woodson believes that Hunter’s future lies primarily on defense. “Top five pick, for sure. I’d play him on defense, but he’s too talented of a player not to utilize on offense,” Woodson stated. He acknowledged the unique situation Hunter finds himself in, where his versatility could be both a blessing and a challenge.
Woodson also pointed out that Hunter’s experience playing wide receiver at a higher level than he did could provide him with an edge. “You can’t leave a guy like that on the sideline,” Woodson emphasized. This sentiment reflects the excitement surrounding Hunter’s potential, but it also highlights the complexities of his transition to the NFL.
The Road Ahead: A Bright Future for Hunter
As Travis Hunter prepares for the next chapter of his football career, the discussions surrounding his future position are only just beginning. With insights from experts like Jeremiah, Glazer, and Woodson, it’s clear that Hunter is a player to watch. His unique skill set and versatility make him a valuable asset for any team, but the question remains: where will he make the most impact?
Will he become the next elite wide receiver, or will he carve out a niche as a shutdown cornerback? The answer may depend on the team that drafts him and how they choose to utilize his talents. Regardless of the position he ultimately settles into, one thing is certain: Travis Hunter is destined for greatness in the NFL, and fans can’t wait to see what he accomplishes next.
In the world of college football, players like Hunter remind us of the thrilling possibilities that lie ahead, and the excitement of watching young athletes reach their full potential is what makes this sport so special. The future is bright for Hunter, and as he steps onto the professional stage, we’ll all be eagerly watching to see how he shines.
