Travis Hunter was the best player in college football in 2024, winning the Heisman Trophy while starring as both a cornerback and wide receiver for the Colorado Buffaloes. Despite having one year of college eligibility left, Hunter declared for the 2025 NFL Draft and is a projected top-three pick in several mock drafts.
The biggest question surrounding Hunter is how teams will use his two-way ability. There’s no precedent for an NFL player regularly playing both cornerback and receiver, so teams have been cautious about defining his role. Amid the debate, one analyst believes Hunter is best suited as a “big-time” cornerback.
Brian Baldinger Speaks Highly of Travis Hunter Ahead of 2025 NFL Draft
NFL analyst Brian Baldinger recently praised Hunter’s skills, calling him a “big-time starting corner.” Baldinger pointed to Hunter’s passion for the game, along with his athleticism and skill set, as reasons he sees him excelling at the position.
With questions about his positional fit, Baldinger sees Hunter as a shutdown cornerback at the next level.
“This guy loves football,” Baldinger said Wednesday. “And that’s the best thing you can say about him. Now, one thing that Prime told me is, look, when we get to the NFL level, college teams are playing a play every 14, 16 seconds. He’s not getting proper rest between plays in a lot of cases. He’s going to get that chance in the NFL.
“I think he is your starting corner, and I think he can shut down — he’s excellent in man coverage. He’s excellent at playing the ball in the air. And then I just think you start building the packages for him.”
Will DE Abdul Carter or CB/WR Travis Hunter go No. 1 in the 2025 #NFLDraft? @BaldyNFL comes through with a #BaldysBreakdowns 👀 pic.twitter.com/U0ND9xAkXL
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) March 5, 2025
Baldinger also boldly stated that in the 2024 Alamo Bowl against BYU, Hunter was the only player who looked like an NFL talent. He reiterated that while Hunter may get some offensive touches, his primary role should be as a cornerback.
“I mean, you watch his final game against BYU,” Baldinger added. “He was the only player that looked like they belonged in the NFL in that game. He was electric. As soon as he touches the ball, he just explodes with it in his hands.”
“So he’s a dynamic player. And I think he’s going to get a lot of offensive touches, but I think he’s a starting corner — and a big-time starting corner — on Day 1 in the NFL.”
Hunter Wants To Play Both Ways in the NFL
Hunter’s role was a major talking point at the NFL Scouting Combine, as teams evaluated how they might use him at the next level.
He revealed that he had meetings as both a cornerback and a wide receiver. But despite the lack of historical precedent, Hunter remains confident he can succeed in both roles.
GET DRAFTING: Free NFL Mock Draft Simulator With Trades
“Did some meetings at receiver. Did some meetings at DB. So, still up in the air,” Hunter said at the NFL Scouting Combine. “They say, ‘Nobody has ever done it, for real, the way I do it,’ but I tell them, ‘I’m just different.’”
One concern for teams is the increased risk of injury. The more snaps he plays, the higher the injury risk, and no team wants to lose a first-round talent to overuse.