NFL talent evaluators remain unsure about Hunter's best position

Colorado Buffaloes cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter. Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

NFL talent evaluators remain unsure about Travis Hunter's best position

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Jul 18, 2024 5:13 PM ET

Colorado's Travis Hunter thrived as a wide receiver and cornerback back last season, but he probably won't play both ways when he enters the NFL.

In his 2025 NFL Draft summer scouting series, The Athletic's Dane Brugler passed along NFL talent evaluators are "split" on whether his best position is CB or WR. Regardless, it's clear he's one of the most talented prospects in the class.

In 2023, Hunter followed head coach Deion Sanders, transferring from FCS program Jackson State. The former No. 1 overall recruit immediately became one of the best players in the country.

In nine games, the 2023 first-team All-American caught 57 passes for 721 yards and five touchdowns. He registered five passes defended and three interceptions on the other side of the ball.

Touchdown Colorado!

Ryan Staub finds Travis Hunter and @CUBuffsFootball makes it a one score game! pic.twitter.com/pXzjoQdIxA
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 25, 2023

TRAVIS HUNTER

A STAR IS BORN FOR @CUBuffsFootball pic.twitter.com/vz8vhUVrJ4
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 2, 2023

The 21-year-old is a talented defensive back, but he should consider switching to WR full-time. Brugler rates him as his No. 3 WR behind Missouri's Luther Burden III and Arizona's Tetairoa McMillan.

"Personally, I prefer him on offense. He has every tool needed to develop into a No. 1 wideout," wrote NFL Media's Daniel Jeremiah. "I know this is lofty praise, but his movement skills and run-after-catch ability remind me of Garrett Wilson when he was coming out of Ohio State."

It's worth noting Wilson — 2022 Offensive Rookie of the Year — has 315 receptions for 2,145 yards and seven TD catches through his first two seasons with the New York Jets.

Whether he plays WR or CB, Hunter should continue raising his draft stock this upcoming season. According to Tankathon's projections, the Washington Commanders will take him with the sixth overall pick of the 2025 NFL Draft.

Clark Dalton

Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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