- NFL. Deion Sanders and Bill Belichick bring NFL pedigree to college football but their recruiting methods are worlds apart
- NFL. Deion Sanders' one long-held policy is being tested without Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter
Known for his rare ability to dominate at both cornerback and wide receiver, Travis Hunter was projected last week to go in the top five picks - if not first overall. But as the NFL Draft approaches, mock drafts are shifting, and true value assessments won't be clear until after the NFL Combine on February 27 and the start of free agency on March 12. The quarterback market in free agency will play a significant role in how the top of the draft unfolds. Teams like the Titans, Browns, and Giants are in desperate need of a quarterback, and their decisions-whether through free agency or the draft-could push Hunter down the board. If teams opt for veteran options like Sam Darnold, Russell Wilson, Aaron Rodgers or Justin Fields, Hunter could still go early. However, top prospects Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders remain strong contenders, meaning Hunter may not hear his name called until the third pick or later.
Hunter Faces Draft-Day Questions Amid Position Debate
Despite his versatility, Hunter's draft stock is slipping as teams begin to see him primarily as a cornerback rather than a dual-threat player. He is expected to showcase his skills at the Combine, where 329 prospects - including top quarterbacks like Cam Ward and -rushers like Abdul Carter - will compete for top draft positions. Hunter's decision to attend 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 1,258 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns last season. While Hunter's defensive skills are elite, the growing trend of prioritizing quarterbacks, offensive tackles, and rushers in the draft may push him further down the board than originally expected.
Hunter's case is unique in that he's been labeled a two-way talent, a distinction shared only with Charles Woodson in 1997. However, NFL scouts have been hesitant to commit to Hunter as a top-five pick. Reports suggest that three quarterbacks, because of the needs, Abdul Carter, and an offensive lineman (Will Campbell) or wide receiver (Tetairoa McMillan) could make up the top five selections. Teams at the top of the draft are prioritizing offensive playmakers, such as Boise State's Ashton Jeanty, over a defensive back-wideout hybrid like Hunter. No wide receiver has gone No. 1 overall since Keyshawn Johnson in 1996, and no cornerback has ever held that distinction.
Even former Titans star Eddie George weighed in, saying, "It's definitely important to have recognizable players - guys that fans know and like to root for. But you have to ask yourself, does it fill a need?"
Despite his tremendous talent, Hunter's draft position will ultimately depend on the team's needs. He could easily be the first overall pick, but if a top team secures a quarterback in free agency, his stock could rise even higher. Historically, Heisman winners have been drafted early - only five in the last 15 seasons have fallen outside the top two picks. With his ability to impact the game in multiple ways, Hunter could soon the elite list of Heisman winners taken at the top of the draft. But for now, his versatility seems to be working against him rather than in his favor.