Travis Hunter’s Dual Threat: How His Two-Way Talent Could Revolutionize the NFL Draft
The 2025 NFL Draft is just around the corner, and one name is dominating the conversation: Travis Hunter. Fresh off winning the Heisman Trophy, the Colorado Buffaloes standout has declared his intention to play both offense and defense in the NFL, a feat rarely seen in the modern era. But is Hunter’s ambition a pipe dream, or could his unprecedented two-way talent revolutionize how teams approach the draft and roster construction?
A Unicorn in Cleats: Hunter’s Collegiate Dominance
Travis Hunter isn’t just another draft prospect; he’s a football anomaly. During the 2024 season at Colorado, Hunter played a staggering 688 snaps on defense and 672 on offense. To put that into perspective, he averaged around 57 snaps per game on defense alone. While juggling these responsibilities, Hunter racked up impressive stats on both sides of the ball.
On offense, Hunter proved to be a dynamic playmaker, recording 92 receptions for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns, plus one rushing touchdown. His ability to stretch the field and make contested catches made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. According to an analytical profile, Hunter’s contested catch rate was an elite 66.7%, and his drop rate was a minuscule 1.54%.
Defensively, Hunter showcased his ball-hawking skills, tallying 32 tackles and four interceptions. His coverage skills and instincts allowed him to disrupt passing lanes and create turnovers. Against Baylor, Hunter made a game-winning forced fumble at the goal line in a 38-31 overtime thriller.
Hunter’s exceptional performance earned him the Heisman Trophy, an honor rarely bestowed upon non-quarterbacks. He also won the Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s best receiver and the Chuck Bednarik Award as the best defensive player, becoming the first player in college football history to win both awards.
The NFL’s Reluctance: A History of One-Way Players
While Hunter’s college success is undeniable, the NFL presents a different challenge. The league is filled with elite athletes who specialize in one position, making it difficult for anyone to excel at two. The last time a player consistently played significant snaps on both offense and defense was Deion Sanders in the 1990s. Sanders, Hunter’s coach at Colorado, logged roughly 50% of offensive snaps and 80% on defense for the Dallas Cowboys.
John Harbaugh, the Super Bowl-winning coach of the Baltimore Ravens, expressed skepticism about Hunter’s ability to play both ways full-time in the NFL. Harbaugh argued that there aren’t enough hours in the day for a player to learn everything they need to know about both positions. He suggested that Hunter would eventually have to pick one position and play the other one part-time.
Hunter’s Rebuttal: “I’m Just Different”
Despite the doubts, Hunter remains confident in his ability to play both ways in the NFL. “They say nobody has ever done it the way I do it,” Hunter said at the NFL Scouting Combine, “but I tell them I’m just different. I am a different person.” Hunter believes that the increased breaks between plays in the NFL, compared to college football, will allow him to handle the physical demands of playing both offense and defense.
Hunter has even stated that he would rather retire than be forced to play just one position. “It’s never playing football again,” Hunter told CBS Sports. “Because I’ve been doing it my whole life, and I love being on the football field. I feel like I could dominate on each side of the ball, so I really enjoy doing it.”
Team Interest: A Balancing Act
Several NFL teams have expressed interest in drafting Hunter, but they have different ideas about how to utilize his unique skill set. The Cleveland Browns, who hold the second overall pick, are open to the idea of Hunter playing both receiver and corner. Browns general manager Andrew Berry stated that they would see Hunter as a receiver primarily but would not limit his opportunities on defense.
The New York Giants, who pick third overall, are also intrigued by Hunter’s two-way potential. Giants general manager Joe Schoen said that he wouldn’t be afraid to play Hunter on both sides of the ball. However, Schoen also acknowledged the challenges of managing a player who plays two positions, particularly regarding the length of the NFL season and training camp.
Other teams may prefer to focus Hunter on one position. Matt Miller, an ESPN NFL draft analyst, noted that some teams view Hunter as a cornerback who could play a handful of offensive snaps. Miller argued that finding an elite cornerback is harder than finding an elite receiver, which could push teams to prefer Hunter on defense.
The Financial Factor: Receiver vs. Cornerback
If Hunter is forced to choose one position, former NFL agent Joel Corry recommends receiver, citing the higher salaries that receivers command compared to cornerbacks. Wide receiver salaries started to explode in 2022, while cornerback salaries have remained relatively stagnant.
However, Hunter’s value extends beyond his on-field performance. As the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, he has significant marketing potential and could generate substantial off-field income. This could give him leverage in negotiations with teams and allow him to prioritize playing both ways over maximizing his salary at one position.
Revolution or Relic? Hunter’s Potential Impact on the NFL
Travis Hunter’s dual-threat ability presents a unique challenge and opportunity for NFL teams. If he can successfully play both offense and defense at a high level, he could revolutionize how teams approach roster construction and game planning. Hunter’s versatility would allow teams to carry fewer players at certain positions, freeing up roster spots for other needs. He could also create matchup nightmares for opposing offenses and defenses, forcing them to prepare for a wider range of possibilities.
However, the NFL is a league of specialists, and it remains to be seen whether Hunter can overcome the challenges of playing two positions at the highest level. The physical and mental demands are immense, and the competition is fierce. If Hunter falters, he could become a cautionary tale, reinforcing the notion that two-way players are a relic of the past.
Ultimately, Travis Hunter’s success in the NFL will depend on his talent, work ethic, and the willingness of his team to embrace his unique abilities. Whether he becomes a revolutionary force or a footnote in NFL history, Hunter’s pursuit of a two-way career is sure to be one of the most compelling storylines of the 2025 season.