Travis Hunter’s NFL Combine conundrum: Will his dual position dream become reality?

Travis Hunter played as both a cornerback and wide receiver for the Colorado Buffaloes and won the Heisman Trophy for his efforts on both sides of the ball. He’s one of the top 2025 NFL Draft prospects, projected to be between the first and fifth pick overall.

In 2023, Hunter put up 57 receptions for 721 receiving yards and five touchdowns as a receiver. As part of the defensive backfield, he had 30 combined tackles, three interceptions, and two tackles for a loss. The next year (his final year before announcing he would enter the NFL Draft, Hunter expanded on the previous season, putting up 96 receptions for 1,258 yards and 15 receiving touchdowns. He allowed just 22 receptions on 38 throws for just 205 yards, plus caught four interceptions and had 11 pass breakups.

It’s impossible to decide at which position Hunter is more threatening. And he has no desire to be pigeon-holed into just one either. However, at the NFL Combine, he’s been listed at just one position, potentially signalling a shift in his future playing career.

NFL Combine puts Travis Hunter at one position only

Travis Hunter will officially attend the NFL Scouting Combine listed as a cornerback. Of course, this may just be a formality as the league can only officially list one position. Still, it would affect how teams evaluate him if he’s sticking mostly to defensive drills.

However, NFL Insider Jonathan Jones says he expects that Hunter will still do wide receiver drills if necessary. He also mentions that the drills for each position are on different days, so they shouldn’t interfere.

Although his being listed as a cornerback may indicate he’s leaning towards that position if he has to choose one, Hunter has proven that he’s a rare dual-threat player that can step into either position whenever necessary. And he’s willing to take the risks to do so.

“I understand that it will be a high risk... but I believe I can do it,” Hunter said.

Whether or not an NFL team will be up for the risk is another story.

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