- NFL. Travis Hunter will make Deion Sanders even more proud as he already knows where he'll play in the NFL
- NFL. Travis Hunter breaks silence on his future NFL position hinting where he sees himself dominating at the next level
The NFL season may have ended with the Philadelphia Eagles securing their second Super Bowl title, but all eyes are now on the 2025 NFL Draft, which takes place April 24 at Lambeau Field. Among the top prospects making headlines is Travis Hunter, the electrifying two-way star Hesiman winner from Colorado. Known for his rare ability to dominate at both cornerback and wide receiver, the Heisman Trophy winner is projected to go in the top five picks - if not first overall. With elite athleticism, a record-breaking college career, and the potential to revolutionize how players are used at the pro level, Hunter is one of the most intriguing draft prospects in recent memory.
Former GM Backups Deion's Point
However, former Raiders GM Mike Mayock recently reignited the debate over Hunter's role in the NFL. Speaking on The Rich Eisen Show, Mayock acknowledged Hunter's unique skill set, but stressed that most teams will see him primarily as a defensive back. "I think most NFL teams are going to look at him as a corner," Mayock said. "That's going to be his primary job, but I think you're being shortsighted if you don't think he can help on offense." His comments may reassure Deion Sanders, but they also highlight the uncertainty surrounding Hunter's future. While no NFL team has successfully implemented a true two-way player in the modern era, Hunter's conditioning and talent suggest he may be the exception. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound playmaker logged an astounding 113 snaps per game last season, setting a new NCAA record.
Hunter's versatility is both his greatest asset and potential liability. No wide receiver has gone No. 1 overall since Keyshawn Johnson in 1996, and no cornerback has ever held that distinction. The league's preference for specialists raises concerns that teams may be reluctant to spend a top pick on a player expected to split his focus. But Coach Prime isn't backing down. "Travis could definitely play both ways in the NFL," Sanders said. "I mean, he will, or don't draft him." Sanders' stance mirrors his own Hall of Fame career, in which he played both cornerback and wide receiver - though never to the extent that Hunter has. In many ways, Hunter's potential impact is being compared to that of baseball's Shohei Ohtani, a player who has defied convention as both an elite hitter and a dominant pitcher.
Also let's not forget that the difference in contract value between cornerbacks and wide receivers should have some significance in my opinion. The CB with the highest value in his contract is Denzel Ward (100.5M) and in of average is Jalen Ramsey (24M), but if we were to put them in the WR list, Ward's contract would be the 8th highest paid WR, far from the 140M of Justin Jefferson and Davante Adams. While Ramsey's average would be the 13th highest paid WR, tied with D.K. Metcalf, but far from Jefferson's 34M. So while money is clearly not tight, the difference between the positions could end up being a deciding factor.
NFL Combine Guests
As the NFL Combine approaches, Hunter's decision to participate as a cornerback suggests that teams will evaluate him primarily on that side of the ball. However, it wouldn't be surprising to see him participate in receiving drills as well, given his production - 1,258 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns last season. In addition to Hunter, fellow Colorado star Shedeur Sanders is among the 329 prospects invited to the combine, where top quarterbacks like Cam Ward and -rushers like Abdul Carter will also try to make their case as top picks. As draft day approaches, the question remains: Will the NFL embrace Hunter's two-way brilliance, or will teams force him into a single role?