From prodigy to proven. Travis Hunter’s tryst with rewriting history is complete. Now, the nature of sports fandom is such that it works in subjective hypotheticals more than objective reality. So picture a Venn diagram of Travis Hunter opinions. There’s a minority that believes the Heisman winner shall primarily be a receiver in the NFL. Who plays some snaps on defense. A consensus majority believes he’d be a lockdown corner used in certain offensive packages. Then there’s the crowd in the middle who are hoping this unicorn continues his unprecedented run of doing both with near equal zest. It’s difficult to say what’s higher. The number of snaps Hunter played in college? Or opinions of how he’ll translate to the pros. One revered NFL Draft analyst has laid his assessment alongside some slights on Hunter’s tangibles.
The signs point to Travis Hunter being a corner if he were to exclusively play one position. That said, there is a rationale for why certain factors may push him to be a receiver. Wide receivers in this era of football are more quintessential than they’ve ever been. As the game ascends towards the air into a more pass-centric style, they’re a precious commodity. This means they’re paid relatively better, too. The top-earning receivers make nearly 50% more than the top corners.
If and when Travis Hunter finishes his rookie-scale contract and gets a big payday, he’ll stand to make tens of millions fewer as a CB than as a WR, as per the market standards. This could be a factor for Travis to focus on that side of the ball instead. However, Daniel Jeremiah discerns that’s not on. Owing to holes in Hunter’s repertoire as a receiver.
NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah, very much plugged into all things Draft, released the 3rd iteration of his top 50 prospects in the upcoming class. Travis Hunter finds himself at #2 behind EDGE Abdul Carter. By no means an indictment. Carter himself is a bit of a generational talent. While the position is great, Jeremiah’s description of Hunter raises eyebrows. He claimed that while “[Hunter’s] fast enough to not get caught,” he “doesn’t have elite top speed.” Travis Hunter didn’t partake in the 40-yard dash, or any on-field drills for that matter, at the Combine down in Indy. Hence, he’s left this facet of his game more open for conjecture. Daniel Jeremiah proceeded to leverage his views on Hunter’s position in the pros.
— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) March 6, 2025
“My only concern is the question of how long he will be able to physically hold up if he continues to play WR and CB full-time at the professional level,” he said. Hunter’s physical frame lends to him being more of a slot receiver than a full-blown one on the perimeter. Which makes Jeremiah’s next statement validated.
“I believe there is a way for him to make an impact on both sides of the ball, but it will likely require him majoring in defense with a minor in offense,” he said. If Hunter’s used according to game situations and personnel grouping, playing both sides shouldn’t be an issue. Since his snap count will go down naturally. Let’s not forget- Travis Hunter would be a Day 1 draft pick if he was purely a WR too. He did win the Fred Biletnikoff Award, after all.
The signs do point to him being a cornerback primarily. Including him being designated as one at the Combine. Travis Hunter playing both positions will mean he has to divide time in practice. This will make it difficult to be on the same page with his quarterback. Although it wasn’t apparent in college, this issue will get amplified at the next level. “I’d like to play both sides of the football, and if they give me an opportunity to play on both sides, I am going to play both sides… It’s up to the organization,” said Travis Hunter. This irked a response from the legend himself and arguably the GOAT tight end, Travis Kelce.
Travis Kelce extends a cheeky, wishful offer to Travis Hunter
Travis Kelce’s legacy is a little more intact after the Chiefs’ embarrassing blowout in the Super Bowl. He’s already a made man in the twilight of his career. Yet, he, too, had his fingerprints, or lack thereof, all over the loss. He dropped a couple of easy catches by his standards. Usually someone who saves his best for these moments, Kelce ended the night with 39 yards on 4 receptions. Most of which came in consolation towards the end. Now that he’s announced a return next season, Kelce is garnering all the help he can get. He’s, in jest, recruiting Travis Hunter and giving him the freedom of playing both sides.
Kelce broke the fourth wall over his and his brother Jason Kelce’s “New Heights” podcast. “I’m a big fan, brother. Want to come to KC and play both sides?” he asked. “I think [Hunter’s] proven that he needs to play on both sides of the ball.” That said, Kelce’s’ serious answer for Hunter’s position concurred with Daniel Jeremiah. “I think it’s easier for him to be on the field all the time as a defensive player. Then offensively, coming in on certain plays,” he remarked.
Wherever Travis Hunter ends up going or playing, he’ll hope for a couple of things. A chance to feature the way he pleases to be and an environment conducive to his development. The latter is a bit of a paradox. Because franchises that draft that high are usually not in a good place. That said, a couple have great coaches in charge. The Patriots, for instance, have Mike Vrabel and aren’t in disarray. Football fans of all persuasions will hope this unicorn is allowed to spread his wings and isn’t limited in role or quality.
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