Reporter expands on Travis Hunter's NFL Scouting Combine decision

Colorado two-way star Travis Hunter is listed as a defensive back for the NFL Scouting Combine, but it seems that was just a formality.

In a piece published Monday, Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer explained Hunter still plans to participate as a wideout/defensive back at the combine, scheduled for Feb. 24-March 3 in Indianapolis. 

"The DBs work out on Thursday, the receivers work out on Friday," wrote Breer. "So, the only way the combine would allow for him to attend both workouts was to have him go through the rest of the process with the DBs."

Still, don't expect the 2024 Heisman winner to continue playing both ways extensively in the NFL. 

Per Pro Football Focus, the 6-foot-1, 185-pounder played 1,552 snaps (753 offensive, 776 defensive and 23 special teams) in 13 games in 2024. That rate seems unsustainable throughout a 17-game NFL regular season. 

Pro Football Hall of Famer Champ Bailey — a Georgia alum — primarily played DB in 15 seasons with the Washington Commanders and Denver Broncos but occasionally lined up as a WR. Hunter could do the same in the NFL. 

"Bailey is a lofty comparison, but it fits," recently wrote PFF's Trevor Sikkema. "Bailey was a standout cornerback at Georgia and a contributing wide receiver with over 700 receiving yards in his final year. He went on to be an All-Pro corner in the NFL, something I can see for Hunter, too."

Hunter — who had 15 touchdown catches and four interceptions in his last season at Colorado — could be a difference-maker regardless of the position he chooses. 

He should be among the first players selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, scheduled for April 24-26 in Green Bay. In Tankathon's latest mock draft, the New England Patriots take him with pick No. 4.