Travis Hunter is entering the 2025 NFL Draft as one of the most intriguing prospects in modern NFL history. While he is seen as a consensus top-10 pick, his effectiveness on both ends of the field truly sets him apart.
Ever since his days at Jackson State, the youngster has been playing virtually every snap on both ends, as a cornerback and wide receiver. But according to one NFL analyst, his stature in the league could see a serious rise if he sticks to one end in particular
Travis Hunter an All-Pro in Year One?
While he was incendiary at the high school and collegiate level playing both positions, bagging the Heisman Trophy for his incredible work, having the same workload in the NFL might be too much. Yet, Hunter is dead set on maintaining his status as a dual-threat, reiterating it during the NFL Combine.
However, reputed NFL analyst Mina Kimes believes his best chance at success might be elsewhere. Speaking at the NFL Live showing, live from the Combine in Indianapolis, she made her stand clear.
“I actually think he can be an All-Pro as a corner and pretty damn quickly, which is a wild thing to say about a player who has not set foot in the NFL but lemme tell you, his tape is wild. The athleticism is obviously is what leaps off of it. Both in terms of his long speed, recovery speed, the change of direction.”
"He can be an All-Pro as a corner and pretty damn quickly."@MinaKimes explains how Travis Hunter's football IQ will elevate him as a cornerback rather than a wide receiver in the NFL ✍️ pic.twitter.com/RT2SW2zVS8
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) February 27, 2025
She couldn’t stop waxing lyrical about his talents on the field, continuing, “The ball skills are extraordinarily, immediately one of the best corners in the NFL, in terms of ball skills. But what really jumps out to me really, when watching his tape, is his football IQ.”
For her, his ability to read quarterbacks, especially in zone coverage is what will set him apart on the defensive end. “It’s pretty special stuff and I just feel like he’s gonna come in and be an incredible player, from the jump.”
However, her effusive praise for his defense isn’t a slight against his offensive capabilities. Kimes was quick to add, “Let me be clear: He is a very good receiving prospect.” Moreover, she understands the financial aspect of it as well.
“There’s definitely financial upside to playing wide receiver versus corner, I’m sure that factors into things.” Per the latest mock draft from PFSN, Hunter is going third overall to the Tennessee Titans, by virtue of a draft day trade.