Travis Hunter’s Draft Stock: WR or CB? Analyzing His NFL Potential

In a league increasingly defined by versatile playmakers, Travis Hunter stands out as a truly unique prospect. The former Colorado Buffaloes star dominated college football on both sides of the ball, racking up impressive statistics as both a wide receiver and a cornerback. As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the question on everyone’s mind is: where will Hunter make his mark in the NFL? Will he be a game-changing wide receiver, a shutdown cornerback, or a revolutionary two-way player?

A Collegiate Career Like No Other

Hunter’s journey to the NFL has been anything but ordinary. After an outstanding high school career, he made history by committing to Jackson State, becoming the first five-star recruit to sign with an FCS program. He followed coach Deion Sanders to Colorado, where he continued to excel on both offense and defense.

In 2024, Hunter redefined two-way excellence, amassing 92 receptions for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns as a receiver, while also recording 4 interceptions and 11 pass breakups as a corner. His defensive passer rating allowed of 38.7 ranked first among Power Five corners with 400+ coverage snaps. Hunter’s exceptional 2024 season culminated in winning the Heisman Trophy, the Chuck Bednarik Award (top defensive player), and the Biletnikoff Award (top receiver), becoming the first player in NCAA history to achieve this feat.

The Case for Wide Receiver

Hunter’s offensive prowess is undeniable. He possesses elite athleticism, exceptional route-running skills, and reliable hands. Several scouting reports highlight his ability to generate separation, win contested catches, and create explosive plays after the catch.

Elite athleticism and agility: Hunter’s quick feet, sudden stop-on-a-dime ability, and fast-twitch athleticism make him a nightmare for defenders.
Exceptional route-running: He understands how to manipulate defenders with his stems and pacing, creating multiple route possibilities.
Reliable hands: Hunter boasts tremendous ability to come away with the football, even in traffic. In 2023, he did not drop a single pass on 73 targets, winning over 60 percent of contested catch situations.
Red-zone threat: Hunter’s sure hands and ability to high-point the ball make him a dangerous weapon in the red zone.

Some analysts believe that Hunter’s highest potential lies on the offensive side of the ball. They argue that his receiving skills are so refined that he could immediately contribute as a WR1 for many NFL teams. The Tennessee Titans, for example, might view Hunter as a weapon to bolster their passing game, providing a vertical threat and run-after-catch ability that they currently lack outside of Calvin Ridley.

The Case for Cornerback

While Hunter’s offensive skills are impressive, many scouts believe his future in the NFL lies on the defensive side of the ball. As a cornerback, Hunter showcases rare instincts, exceptional ball skills, and fluid athleticism.

Elite ball skills: Hunter’s background as a receiver translates seamlessly to the defensive side of the ball, allowing him to high-point throws and aggressively attack the catch point.
Advanced route recognition: He routinely beats receivers to their landmarks, demonstrating exceptional mental processing speed.
Fluid athleticism: Hunter possesses a rare blend of twitch and fluidity, enabling him to mirror receivers in man coverage while maintaining optimal leverage.
Zone coverage expertise: He has great instincts, football IQ, and vision to read and diagnose route concepts, making him an ideal zone cornerback.

Proponents of Hunter as a cornerback argue that his unique combination of skills projects him as a potential shutdown corner in the mold of Charles Woodson. They believe that his ability to eliminate an opponent’s top target while creating turnovers provides more game-changing value in today’s pass-heavy league.

The Two-Way Debate

Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of Hunter’s draft stock is the possibility of him playing both offense and defense in the NFL. While some believe that his two-way experience is a detriment, others see it as a unique asset that could revolutionize the game.

Deion Sanders, Hunter’s former coach, has publicly stated that any team that doesn’t intend to use Hunter on both sides of the ball should pass on drafting him. Hunter himself insists that he wants to play both offense and defense in the NFL, stating, “I’m going to play both.”

However, the feasibility of Hunter playing both ways in the NFL is a major point of contention. The physical demands of playing both offense and defense at the professional level are immense, and some worry about the potential for injury and burnout. As NFL analyst Field Yates noted, “While there is little precedent for a prospect playing both sides of the ball in the NFL, Hunter has a rare skill set.”

Some suggest a more limited role for Hunter on offense, utilizing him in specific packages as a gadget player while primarily focusing on his cornerback duties. Others believe that with proper conditioning and workload management, Hunter could thrive as a true two-way player, similar to Chuck Bednarik, who starred on both the offensive and defensive lines for the Philadelphia Eagles in the 1950s and 60s.

Draft Projections and Potential Landing Spots

As the draft approaches, opinions on Hunter’s ideal position and draft stock remain divided. Some mock drafts project him as a top-five pick, while others have him falling outside the top ten.

Several teams have been identified as potential landing spots for Hunter, including:

New York Giants: The Giants have needs at both wide receiver and cornerback, making them an ideal fit for Hunter’s versatility.
New England Patriots: With ample cap space and a need for playmakers on both sides of the ball, the Patriots could be tempted to use Hunter primarily as a wide receiver.
Tennessee Titans: The Titans, holding the No. 1 overall pick, could view Hunter as a transformative player who can fill multiple holes in their rebuilding effort.
Jacksonville Jaguars: After having the worst pass defense in the league, the Jaguars could use Hunter to supplement Brian Thomas Jr.

Ultimately, the team that drafts Hunter will have to decide how to best utilize his unique talents. Whether he becomes a star wide receiver, a shutdown cornerback, or a revolutionary two-way player, Travis Hunter is poised to make a significant impact on the NFL.