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In today's NFL, the concept of two-way players-athletes who excel on both offense and defense-has become increasingly rare due to the specialization of roles within the game.
A few exceptional talents in the league and at the college level show potential to revive this role, making them exciting prospects to watch over the next five years.
The NFL players to watch
One of the most intriguing two-way players is Travis Hunter, who made headlines by committing to play for Deion Sanders at Jackson State before transferring to Colorado. Hunter excels as both a cornerback and wide receiver, amassing significant stats on both sides of the ball during his first season with the Buffaloes.
His versatility and athleticism make him a high NFL draft prospect, with the potential to become a standout in the professional ranks.
Jeremiah Smith, a freshman at Ohio State, is another rising star who could develop into a two-way player. Although primarily focused on offense, his exceptional skills as a wide receiver, combined with his athleticism, suggest he could contribute defensively if required.
As Smith grows within the highly competitive environment at Ohio State, his potential to impact both sides of the game makes him a player to watch.
Sauce Gardner, already established as one of the NFL's top cornerbacks, exemplifies the potential for defensive players to cross over to offense.
His exceptional ball skills and coverage ability have earned him accolades and while he primarily plays defense, his talents could see him used in special offensive situations, adding another dimension to his game.
Other players such as Ja'Marr Chase, Joe Alt, and Micah Parsons demonstrate the versatility needed to be effective in multiple roles, even if they primarily focus on one side of the ball.
Chase's agility and hands could make him valuable in special teams or defensive roles, while Alt's size and speed might allow him to contribute in goal-line packages.
At the top of this list is Patrick Mahomes, who, while primarily a quarterback, embodies the modern two-way player with his ability to influence the game in various ways, whether through ing, rushing, or potentially even in special teams.