Travis Hunter‘s ambition to play on both sides of the ball in the NFL was initially met with some skepticism. Coming out of the Combine, though, the projected top-five pick is gaining steam as a two-way player in the pros.
The Titans, who hold the first pick in April’s draft indicated that they would consider playing Hunter at wide receiver and cornerback if they select him.
“I think he can do both at a high level,” said Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi (via Mark Maske of the Washington Post).
Hunter played 1,422 total snaps for Colorado in 2024, per Pro Football Focus, 709 on offense and 713 on defense. That averages to a whopping 118 snaps per game. Such as workload has been seen as a risk due to the NFL’s heightened intensity and physicality.
Titans coach Brian Callahan, however, said that a two-way role in the NFL would be “very realistic” for Hunter.
“There’s not many guys that have played that many snaps on both sides of the ball,” continued Callahan, adding that if the team drafted Hunter, they would “find out where he fits.”
If the Titans don’t take Hunter, he will “draw serious consideration” from the Browns, who hold the No. 2 pick, per The Athletic’s Jeff Howe. General manager Andrew Berry agreed with the growing consensus that Hunter can play both offense and defense in the NFL.
“I’d say this in terms of Travis Hunter — cornerback or receiver? The answer is yes,” said Berry (via Maske). “He can play both. And I think that’s what makes him special.”
The NFL has seen two-way players before – including Deion Sanders, who coached Hunter in college – but that typically has been in cameo or emergency roles. In recent years, Patrick Ricard and Scott Matlock have played fullback and defensive line, but not at the snap count Hunter is aiming for.
Berry also said that the Browns see Hunter “primarily” as a receiver, as opposed to other teams who view him as a full-time cornerback with select involvement as a receiver. If forced to choose, Hunter would prefer the former, according veteran Titans reporter Paul Kuharsky, and it’s easy to see why. The receiver market has increased at a far higher rate than the cornerback market in recent years, so Hunter’s earning potential would be maximized by focusing on offense. If he does carve out a two-way role, he’ll be able to demand even more, even if he’s just a rotational contributor on one side of the ball.
Hunter will likely discuss his potential roles in Cleveland on a top-3o visit scheduled for this week, per Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. Ultimately, he won’t be able to choose where he is drafted or where he plays in the NFL, but refusing to give him a chance as a two-way player may affect his relationship with his first team. Teams considering Hunter will want to be confident in their long-term future with a top-five pick.