With the NFL draft just three days away, expect social media to be a frenzy of draft stock maneuvering, and Travis Hunter is playing his part. Fresh off Colorado University’s head-turning move to retire his #12 jersey alongside Shedeur Sanders, the hype train is picking up serious speed. After all, the He12man is all set to electrify the 2025-26 NFL season as a top rookie, and he’s not just showing up—he’s arriving to make a statement. As one of only 17 top prospects invited to Green Bay for the opening round, expect the spotlight to be firmly fixed on his unique two-way talent. WR or CB? Days away from the answer.
As the 2025 NFL Draft draws near, it’s looking more and more like the Browns will take Hunter with the No. 2 pick. And ESPN’s Daniel Oyefusi reports that Browns GM Andrew Berry remains high on Hunter as a receiver but is open to the possibility of him playing both ways. Berry even drew a comparison between Hunter and MLB star Shohei Ohtani, highlighting how both can dominate in multiple roles. Despite the possibility of Hunter playing both WR and CB, Berry believes his talent alone makes him worthy of such a high pick. Honestly, all signs point to Hunter being a top contender, with his dual-threat potential making him even more valuable.
However, the road to the NFL isn’t easy, especially with fierce competition from names like Abdul Carter and Mason Graham, Will Campbell, and Ashton Jeanty all vying for top spots. Yet Travis Hunter stands out, grinding even harder when doubts arise. Despite his historic Heisman run, he’s faced criticism, with even hate being directed at his fiancée, Leanna. That stung deeply, as it was a reminder of how little respect he’s received, despite all his accolades. Now, with a chip on his shoulder, Travis Hunter is taking matters into his own hands. While Pilar and Deion are relentlessly repping their son Shedeur on IG, who’s in Hunter’s corner? None other than the man himself.
On April 21st, Travis Hunter shared a powerful IG post featuring him surrounded by his prestigious awards—the Heisman Trophy, Chuck Bednarik, Fred Biletnikoff Award, and more. It’s clear: despite all his accolades, respect has been hard to come by. However, the criticism has been relentless, but Hunter’s response says it all. With bold artistic flair, he wrote, “He’s not the best WR. He’s not the best DB. He’s OVERRATED. GENERATIONAL.” It’s more than a statement—it’s a declaration of his unshakable confidence as he fights to secure his NFL dream.
And why not? Despite his stellar accomplishments, Hunter has faced some harsh criticism. Chad Forbes from NFL Bites called him “a little overrated,” claiming he’s “regressed” and not quite the wide receiver he’s made out to be. On top of that, Matt Shovelson from The Wright Way Network went even further, labeling Hunter as “extremely overrated,” even questioning his worthiness for prestigious awards like the Fred Biletnikoff and Chuck Bednarik. So, these critiques underscore the skepticism surrounding Hunter’s ability to dominate both ways, despite the attention he’s earned.
But not everyone views this two-way star through the same lens. Analyst Josh Pate fired back, saying, “Some of the Travis Hunter discourse is insane,” pointing out the unfair criticism of Hunter’s exceptional achievements. Hall of Famer Terrell Owens was equally frustrated, questioning Hunter’s exclusion from the Jim Thorpe Award finalists, declaring, “MAKE IT MAKE DAMN SENSE!!!”
However, Travis Hunter didn’t hold back when expressing his frustration with the criticism on The Travis Hunter Show on April 4th. He called his Heisman win the most underrated achievement of his life, acknowledging how often others have overlooked his success. Moreover, Hunter embraced his uniqueness, acknowledging that doubt always precedes belief—especially when greatness is something people have never seen before. Now, with his path clear, the 2-way star focuses on carving his NFL future.
Travis Hunter has a crystal-clear vision
Travis Hunter is a rare dual-threat talent. With over 1,250 yards and 15 TDs as a receiver, plus 11 passes defended and 4 interceptions as a CB, he’s dominating both sides of the ball. Despite NFL teams’ differing opinions on his future position, Hunter clearly states his readiness to excel at both.
When asked about playing both offense and defense in the NFL, Travis Hunter made it clear, stating, “It’s never playing football again. Because I’ve been doing it my whole life, and I love being on the football field. I feel like I could dominate on each side of the ball, so I really enjoy doing it.” You know, with 713 offensive snaps and 748 defensive snaps in the NCAA, Hunter has proven his versatility. But the physical toll of playing both positions in the NFL would be a whole new challenge. Still, Hunter is ready for whatever comes next.
However, Ravens HC John Harbaugh raised doubts about Hunter’s dual-role dreams, suggesting it’s nearly impossible to excel at both. “To say that you’re gonna be completely immersed in everything that there is to know on offense and everything there is to know on defense… I don’t know if there’s enough hours in the day,” the HC said. Basically, he emphasized the challenge of mastering every detail on both sides of the ball. While Hunter is determined, Harbaugh’s comments show just how tough the task would be at the NFL level.
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