This year’s draft class it’s the non-QBs turning more heads than anyone else. The two names that keep popping up are Travis Hunter and Abdul Carter. And if we’re being honest, the 2024 Heisman winner might already be sitting a notch above Carter. There’s a good chance Hunter hears his name first on draft night. But beyond the usual ‘which team picks him’ suspense, there’s another big question hanging in the air. And that question is: what position is he going to play in the league? Hunter played as both WR and CB during his time with the Colorado Buffaloes, but playing both positions might not fly for him in the NFL.
That’s exactly what former NFL executive and player Mike Mayock just weighed in on during his latest appearance on The Rich Eisen Show. So when host Rich Eisen tossed a question to Mike, asking what he thinks of the top 10 prospects excluding QBs like Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward, Mayock, clearly “intrigued by Travis Hunter“, had a strong take. He gave props to Hunter’s ability to play both sides of the ball. But made it clear he sees the 21-year-old’s future on defense.
“You can make an argument to play him on the offensive side or the defensive side… I would tell you that he’s got a rare skill set for a corner,” Mayock said. Interestingly, Hunter is projected to land in Cleveland and even had dinner with the Browns brass before his pro day. “Corners are harder to find. So I would rather see him spend 90% of his time in practice learning how to play corner in the NFL,” he added, doubling down on the belief that defense is where Hunter should make his mark.
The 66-year-old suggested that teams could still build a small set of offensive plays just for Travis Hunter. Sort of a custom package to tap into his versatility. He also acknowledged that some teams might take note of the threat he poses on offense. Even if that’s not his main gig. “But make no mistake, he’s going to make a difference day one in an NFL locker room. And I think some teams are also going to see how much damage he can do on the offensive side of the ball.“
And while NFL execs like Mayock are making their case for where Hunter fits best, the man himself isn’t staying quiet either. Shedeur Sanders’ teammate has finally opened up about where he sees himself lining up in the pros.
Travis Hunter shares his take on playing WR vs CB
The decision will be in the team’s hands that pick Hunter, regarding what position he plays at. But the Heisman Trophy winner made his case for NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. The WR and CB want that when his name is announced at the draft. Roger calls him both WR and CB while stating his position. “He better say wide receiver and DB. He’s got to,” Travis said.
During the NFL Combine, when the 21-year-old was asked about it, he shared, “I’d like to play both sides of the ball. If they give me the opportunity to play both sides of the ball, I’m going to play both sides. I’ve been doing it for a long time. Don’t see why I can’t continue.” Hunter said while talking to the reporters, “They say nobody has ever done it for real the way I do it. I tell them I’m just different. I am a different person.” Hunter’s strong words earned him appreciation from fans all around.
Now, more recently, Hunter appeared on SiriusXM NFL Radio. The host tossed a question to him about how many snaps he thinks he could play. “All of them. If they give me the chance and the opportunity to do it,” the Colorado star said. When asked about the challenges of playing both sides of the ball, Hunter had an interesting take: “Well, we kind of got 24 hours in a day. We probably sleep for about eight of those, so we probably got 16 more.“
In short, Travis is confident that he will kill it on both sides of the ball. But what do you think – the team that chooses him and which position will they pick him for?
The post NFL Franchises Issued Strong Warning About Travis Hunter as Shedeur Sanders’ Teammate Clears Stance on Playing WR/CB appeared first on EssentiallySports.
