During his press conference before the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan revealed how his staff would utilize two-way prospect Travis Hunter if selected by the Titans in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Titans Head Coach Brian Callahan’s Vision for 2-Way Prospect Travis Hunter
Callahan stated that it’s “very realistic” for Hunter to contribute on both sides of the ball in the NFL. However, Callahan suggested that Hunter’s dual role might be implemented gradually, with Hunter initially focusing on cornerback before expanding his role to include receiver duties.
Brian Callahan would start Travis Hunter out at corner. #Titans pic.twitter.com/2ifEPMdAIh
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) February 25, 2025
Though risky, Tennessee doesn’t necessarily have to take Hunter with the first pick. The Titans could pull off a trade with a QB-hungry team and still land the 2024 Heisman winner. In his 7-round 2025 NFL mock draft, PFSN’s Joe DeLeone had the New York Giants swapping first-rounders with the Titans to select Cam Ward. Hunter was then selected by Tennessee at No. 3.
DeLeone agrees with Callahan’s thinking, “Hunter will likely play more cornerback than receiver in the NFL, but Tennessee effectively kills two birds with one stone with Hunter. His range, hip mobility, and instincts are that of a future All-Pro.”
Draft expert Todd McShay also suggested that Hunter might be best developed as a cornerback with offensive schemes designed to capitalize on his receiving skills.
Hunter’s exceptional abilities at receiver have drawn comparisons to 2022 Offensive Rookie of the Year Garrett Wilson as well as DeVonta Smith, while Hunter’s player comp at corner is six-time Pro Bowler and 2017 All-Pro Darius Slay Jr.
Callahan acknowledged how difficult it can be for a full-time player on both sides of the ball in the NFL. That sentiment was echoed by Colin Cowherd on his podcast when he predicted that Hunter would underachieve if he were to try playing both ways full-time at the professional level.
As enticing as Hunter is for the Titans, quarterback is high on the priority list of need positions. In PFSN’s 2024 QB Rankings, author Ben Rolfe believes Will Levis’ struggles would lead Tennessee to stand pat and take a quarterback with the first pick. Levis placed 34th out of 39, finishing the season with a D- grade.
The Titans do have nearly $50 million in available salary cap space, so they could be in play to sign Sam Darnold in free agency. While Tennessee’s defense ranked 22nd in PFSN’s Defense+ rankings, their numbers were hampered by an sputtering offense that placed 27th in PFSN’s Offense+ metric. A capable quarterback could turn the team around, but should it come at the cost of losing out on an All-Pro like Hunter?
