Any NFL team considering drafting Travis Hunter for one position should reconsider. The two-way star from Colorado, who excelled as a cornerback and wide receiver, won the Heisman Trophy in 2024, cementing his status as one of college football's most versatile and dominant players.
Hunter and his coach, Deion Sanders, have made his two-way skills non-negotiable for the 2025 NFL Draft.
Sanders emphasized Hunter's dual-role potential on The Rich Eisen Show. “He’s going to do that—or they shouldn’t draft him,” Sanders said. You can create.
He doesn't have to play every snap like here, but he must contribute on both sides. Imagine your best receiver on the bench when you need to pass or your best corner off the field while the other team is beating you.
Hunter's resume backs Sanders. In his junior season, the Suwanee, Georgia native played over 600 snaps on both sides of the ball, winning the Heisman Trophy, Paul Hornung Award for versatility, and Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year.
Hunter led the Big 12 in receptions and touchdowns with 92, 1,152 yards, and 14 touchdowns, setting Colorado program records. He was equally effective in the secondary with four interceptions, 11 pass breakups, and 32 tackles.
Hunter three times this season became the first player in 25 years to have nine receptions and an interception in a game. He was the first FBS player to receive midseason offense and defense All-American honors from the same publications.
Hunter, a top-5 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, is unprecedentedly versatile. Any team benefits from his versatility as a receiver and cornerback.
Teams that ignore his dual potential risk losing one of football's most unique talents. Sanders said, “Don’t draft him if you’re not going to let him shine on both sides of the ball.”