Colorado Buffaloes star Travis Hunter has had a productive week, scooping up the Lott IMPACT Trophy given to college football’s defensive player who was most impactful on and off the field. Further, he was awarded the Bednarik, given to the best defensive player, and the Biletnikoff Award given to the best wide receiver in college football. With that sweep, he became the first player to win both the Bednarik and Biletnikoff.
According to FanDuel, the NFL-bound Hunter is also the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy (-4000) and is expected to be one of the top picks in the 2025 NFL Draft. One of the teams that will have access to a top pick is the New York Giants, who are currently 2-11.
Fan Reactions to Giants Potentially Drafting Travis Hunter
On Friday, Dec. 13, on X (formerly known as Twitter), the struggling franchise’s fans zeroed in on Hunter as a preferable pick over a quarterback, citing the poor performance under coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen.
“If NYG have the #1 pick + Schoen & Daboll are still employed, the only player I feel confident in picking is Travis Hunter. I wouldnt trust any rookie QB w/ this regime. With Hunter u can feel ok about firing this regime next yr & not be stuck w/ a QB the next regime didnt select,” a Giants fan account posted.
If NYG have the #1 pick + Schoen & Daboll are still employed, the only player I feel confident in picking is Travis Hunter. I wouldnt trust any rookie QB w/ this regime. With Hunter u can feel ok about firing this regime next yr & not be stuck w/ a QB the next regime didnt select
— Big Blue United (@BigBlueUnited) December 13, 2024
“Absolutely. Bridge QB and not stuck on a different timeline with GM, HC, QB. Been saying it since day 1 that this is the issue. Haven’t had that continuity since Accorsi,TC,Eli,” another fan tweeted, referring to N.Y.’s era under general manager Ernie Accorsi, head coach Tom Coughlin, and QB Eli Manning, who all won Super Bowl 42 together.
“Agree 1000000% Only Gold Jacket guy in this draft The QB prospects are exceedingly average Schoen will reach,” another fan wrote.
“So dramatic. Why do you not have confidence? They haven’t gotten their QB yet. If they are confident in a QB you take them. Travis hunter wont help playing CB,” one fan countered.
“What would hunter do for this team? Just as much as [WR Malik Nabers] did?” Another fan argued.
What would hunter do for this team? Just as much as nabers did?
— Rob Allen (@ATeamRobert) December 13, 2024
“You aren’t stuck with a QB. The franchise has to get out of that mindset. [San Francisco 49ers] weren’t stuck with [Trey Lance] and [the Arizona Cardinals] aren’t stuck with [Josh Rosen]. But I do not hate a Hunter pick or a trade back,” one fan tweeted.
“I actually totally agree with this! Maybe grab a player like [Deshaun Watson] if cut or a [Jameis Winston] unless they see some amazing talent in [Shedeur Sanders]. I would hate to be stuck with a coach/GM that’s totally lost locker room and a rookie qb that’s average ceiling,” another fan tweeted.
Hunter Advised on How To Play Both Ways in the NFL
One of the players who can relate to Hunter playing on both sides of the ball is former Georgia Bulldogs two-way star Champ Bailey. During a Thursday interview with ESPN, Bailey gave Hunter advice on how difficult it would be to play on both sides of the ball in the NFL.
“As you go from high school to college, and college to the NFL, the preparation becomes a big thing for the coaches,” Bailey said. “You start playing all the snaps on one side of the ball and a lot of snaps on the other and maybe some special teams, but coaches don’t really know what you’re going through. They haven’t done it because not many have. So you’re trying to show them you’re prepared enough to be out there and that you can hold up. That takes convincing.
“There isn’t enough said about the accountability that comes with what Hunter is doing, too. Playing both ways means putting extra stuff on your plate, and people are counting on you to do it, so it can’t just be something you want to try. That mental pressure will take the biggest toll unless you really love what you’re doing and go all in.”
Hunter played 1,380 snaps for the Colorado Buffaloes this season, at least 382 more snaps than the next-highest player and he has already revealed that he expects to continue playing on both sides of the ball in the NFL.