Travis Hunter: The Two-Way Phenom Poised to Shake Up the NFL Draft
Travis Hunter, a junior at Colorado, has established himself as an elite player at both wide receiver and cornerback, making him arguably the most fascinating player in the 2025 NFL draft. His unique two-way ability and immense talent have scouts and coaches buzzing about his potential at the next level.
As a receiver, Hunter is electric, with a lean body type loaded with muscle and suddenness. He has a knack for finding space, great timing for attacking the ball, and is fearless when asked to make a play in traffic. With 112.2 receiving yards per game this season, he is eighth in the nation, and his 11 forced missed tackles after the catch are tied for seventh.
On defense, Hunter has the potential to be a true CB1 at the next level. With loose hips and great movement traits, he can open, turn, and run with receivers. His body control and hand-eye coordination help him make plays on the ball, and his interception against UCF in Week 5 showcased his fantastic awareness in zone coverage.
So, where does Hunter project best in the pros? While he has the ability to play both ways, his long, lean frame might make him a better fit on offense, where he can better avoid contact and dictate impact. However, his upside at corner is tremendous, and finding dependable cornerbacks is more important than ever before.
One thing is certain: Hunter will be a top-five or at least top-10 pick in the 2025 NFL draft. The risk involved with asking him to play both ways is simply too great for a first-round investment. An NFL team will likely ask him to pick a position once drafted, or perhaps one will be assigned to him based on its needs and roster construction.
Teams like the New England Patriots and Carolina Panthers, both with high draft picks, could be great fits for Hunter. The Patriots could pair him with Christian Gonzalez to form a great cornerback duo, while the Panthers could build around him as a star-caliber player. Wherever he lands, Hunter has the potential to become a foundational building block and future Pro Bowler or All-Pro.
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