Travis Hunter has taken the college football world by storm, capping off an incredible season with a Heisman Trophy, the AP Player of the Year, and the Biletnikoff Award. The next big step waiting for him is the 2025 NFL Draft, where he would set his sights on his entry to the pros. However, before the transition takes shape, the big question lingering around is — will he primarily play cornerback or wide receiver in the NFL?
NFL General Managers Have a Role Waiting for Travis Hunter
NFL insider Jay Glazer shed light on Hunter’s role in the big league, explaining that he will be welcomed as a cornerback who will see time at wide receiver. According to Glazer, the consensus among 13 NFL general managers and head coaches is that Hunter is considered a cornerback first.
“The majority cited Hunter’s ‘elite ball skills’ and noted that it’s ‘just so hard to find a shutdown corner like that,’” Glazer claimed. But that’s not the end of the story. He added, “Even though we’d start him at cornerback, we’d definitely find packages and plays for him on the offensive side of the ball.”
The answer has its roots in Hunter’s stats, which speak for themselves. The 2024 Heisman winner registered 92 receptions for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns for Coach Prime’s team this season. His impact on the defensive side had significant contributions, with 31 tackles, four interceptions, 11 passes defended, and a forced fumble. This rare two-way display drew comparisons to Hall of Famer Charles Woodson.
What position do NFL front offices see Heisman Winner Travis Hunter playing next season?@JayGlazer has the latest ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/eKCrruRNBL
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) December 15, 2024
Although full-time two-way play may be unrealistic in the NFL due to its physical toll and complexity, Hunter’s versatility makes him a unique asset, and NFL teams would be wise to utilize his potential on both sides of the ball.
Coach Prime, Travis’ coach with the Buffs, balanced both roles in his Hall of Fame career (cornerback and wide receiver). If Hunter follows a similar path as his current mentor, he could be on his way to revolutionizing two-way play in the NFL.
Travis Hunter’s Landing Spots in the NFL Sparks Laughter
Hunter’s post-Heisman press conference took a humorous turn when a reporter asked if he’d consider playing for the Jets or the Giants. The Colorado sensation, fresh off his Heisman win, initially tried to avoid answering, signaling to someone off-camera that he wasn’t interested in the question.
However, the moment quickly shifted when Hunter, unable to suppress his grin, burst into laughter and stuck with a simple “no comment.”
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The question was speculative, given the horrible seasons both New York teams are having. The Giants, at 2-11, seem focused on drafting a quarterback, with analysts linking them to Hunter’s teammate, Shedeur Sanders. On the other hand, the 3-10 Jets need help all over, and Hunter’s flexibility could shine.
Whether he suits up for New York at all remains uncertain. For now, his laughter and refusal to commit keep fans and reporters guessing about his NFL landing spot.
