Travis Hunter might be the closest thing the NFL has seen to a positionless phenom in a generation. The reigning Heisman winner doesn’t just try out both sides; he goes all in and owns it. At Colorado, he was that rare player starting at both cornerback and wide receiver, logging significant snaps at both spots and making everyone’s jaw drop weekly. His ball skills, instincts, and elite agility make him a shutdown corner. His route running, hands, and tracking ability make him a WR1. The debate? Which side of the ball should he live on when he finally cashes his ticket to the NFL?

While Hunter has made it clear what he wants. While most around the league view him as a generational talent on defense, he seems to be leaning the other way. NFL teams have long questioned whether a two-way player is realistic in today’s hyper-specialized league, where just mastering one position takes an entire weekly commitment of film, walkthroughs, and reps. It’s a grueling schedule even for veterans, let alone rookies. But Hunter’s preference? That became obvious during Colorado’s recent Pro Day. He put on a wide receiver masterclass, and he didn’t run a single backpedal. No cornerback drills. No disguises. Even no gloves. Just route after route, laser-focused on showcasing the offensive side of his game.

The message was subtle but unmistakable. He’s planting his flag in the WR camp—and it didn’t go unnoticed. NFL insider Jeremy Fowler, speaking on ESPN’s SportsCenter, gave voice to what a lot of scouts were whispering after the showcase. “He’s probably the best player in the draft. He should absolutely go in the top 3,” Fowler said. “He showed as a wide receiver and then, you know, talking to teams last night, they thought he was planting a seed that, ‘Hey, I want to be a wideout.’” That sentiment echoed across team meetings, as front offices left Boulder trying to decode what Hunter’s preference might mean for their draft boards.

What’s fascinating is how this tug-of-war isn’t necessarily a bad thing. “He didn’t do one backpedal yesterday as a cornerback,” Fowler added, pointing out that teams are still split on whether to view him primarily as a DB or WR. “Despite a lot of teams seeing him as a cornerback above a receiver, they’re grappling with where to play him. Can he truly be a two-way type player?” The answer might lie somewhere in between—teams could envision him as a starting wideout who also moonlights as a third-down corner, giving them exotic coverage looks in key moments. That hybrid idea won’t work for every organization, but for the right scheme and staff, Hunter’s versatility is gold.

And yet, the truth is—teams might not even care. He’s that good. Fowler noted that some clubs are shrugging off the positional debate entirely. “They almost don’t care because he’s so talented, and he’s going to be such a star in the league. They just want to get him.” In other words, this isn’t about whether he fits into a box. It’s about ripping the box apart entirely. Therefore, the New York Giants picking Hunter at No. 3 or the New England Patriots at No. 4 is a real possibility. His draft floor seems all but locked in—“Giants at three, Patriots at four, that’s his absolute floor right now,” Fowler said. That’s rare air.

Players who force teams to draft for talent over need. Game-changers are those who alter strategy, not just depth charts. Post-Pro Day, it’s clear Travis Hunter isn’t just a special player—he’s a situation. The kind that gets front offices buzzing and war rooms leaning forward. Whether he ends up lining up outside the numbers or shadowing WR1s is almost secondary.

Travis Hunter’s draft day wish: Goodell, say it right

With the 2024 NFL Draft just around the corner, Travis Hunter isn’t just hoping to hear his name called – he’s got a specific way he wants it said. He was a beast on both sides this past year, racking up 96 catches for 1,258 yards and a whopping 15 touchdowns (tying for second in the FBS and setting a Colorado record) on offense, then flipping over to defense and grabbing 35 tackles and 4 picks. With stats like that, there’s no harm in shooting your shot. In a recent interview on CBS, the Colorado two-way phenom had a playful but clear message for Commissioner Roger Goodell.

“He better say wide receiver and DB.”

Hunter doesn’t want to be boxed in with the generic “athlete” label. Nope. He’s a unicorn, sure—but he wants the world (and especially Goodell) to recognize the two positions he’s made his name at: wide receiver and defensive back. And once that name is called? Hunter’s all business.

“I’m just ready to get the playbook… help the team.” Love that mindset. It also makes sense why he might lean slightly toward wide receiver. Not only is it one of the flashiest positions in football, but it’s also lucrative. In 2025, wide receivers trail only edge rushers when it comes to non-QB salaries. Just look at Ja’Marr Chase, who leads the way with a jaw-dropping $40.25 million per year. But whether it’s locking down WR1s or becoming one himself, Hunter’s ready.