Will the iconic ear-to-ear grin be back on Travis Hunter’s face? For Colorado’s two-way star, it’s been a real shift. All that hoopla surrounding his position definitely had an impact on his NFL stock. Even though Hunter initially projected himself as the potential first-overall pick, he soon got a grounding alert. But it looks like things are going to turn out for the better. After all, the Buffs’ dual threat got a big thumbs up from former NFL legend and now analyst. Will that give Hunter a clean chit now that he landed in sticky waters for a foul comment?   

Hunter had a picture-perfect ending to his college football career with a Heisman trophy in his hands. With this, the Buffs fans were super sure that there would be no blocks on his way to the NFL. After all, Hunter dazzled on both offense and defense. He wrapped up the Buffs chapter with 96 receptions for 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns as a receiver. As a cornerback, he recorded four interceptions and 11 pass breakups. However, soon they got a reality check.

CBS Sports analysts Chris Trapasso and Ryan Wilson in their mock drafts projected Hunter as the sixth overall pick. That’s because NFL suitors expressed concerns over his technique in certain areas, particularly in his defensive fundamentals. So someone had to stand up for Hunter. Here entered NFL Network analyst Brian Baldinger in high praise of the player.

In his latest interview, the former Dallas Cowboys OL stated, “Well, Travis is just an electric athlete. Before we get to the movement and study of the tape and all that, you talk to Deion, you talk to Warren Sapp, you talk to guys in his program; this guy loves football. And that’s the best thing to say about him.” Now what position does he think suits him best for Hunter?

Then, Baldinger recalled Deion Sanders’ comments, where he downplayed Hunter’s injury risks playing two ways in the pros. Prime has once said, “The pro game is actually slower than college. There’s more huddling, more time between plays. The NFL protects you more than people realize,” suggesting Travis Hunter would get plenty of rest. So, where does Baldinger stand now?

“I think he is a starting corner, and he can shut down. He has excellent man coverage; he is excellent playing the b- – l in the air; you just start building the packages, form. Watch his final game against BYU. He was the only player that looked like they belong in the NFL.” Well, against the Cougars, Hunter hauled in four catches for 106 yards and a touchdown. To Baldinger, the Buffs athlete looked a lot like Philadelphia Eagles WR Deon Long. So in which round does the NFL legend see Hunter in the pro league?

“As soon as he touches the b- -l he just explodes. He is that dynamic player..he is a big time starting corner in Day 1 in the NFL.” It’s looking like we might see a rare draft move. Cornerbacks aren’t exactly first-day staples, and a pick one would be historic. And get this: Baldinger isn’t the only analyst thinking Hunter fits that cornerback role. 

Travis Hunter’s confidence landed him in hot water

Well, the NFL Combine had listed the Buffs two-way star as a cornerback. Analyst Colin Cowherd said on his podcast, “I would put him at corner. But he wants to be a receiver.” Well, he had his reasons to say so. After all, the wide receiver position is no easy task at the pro level. That’s because one can never be a No.1 receiver with a young quarterback on board who leaves no stone unturned to get reps and timing as it’s a timing position. 

Okay, so finally the WR vs. CB debate in Hunter’s case got some clarity. The NFL suitors might now hail him for the cornerback position. But here comes another roadblock. Well, in the NFL, draft stocks are not likely to depend only on athletic skills. The NFL scouts have their eyes on the players’ off-field antics as well. In this case, Hunter got into bad books. But why?

Because of a slip! The Buffs two-way star was questioned, “What’s more difficult? What do you do in football, or what Ohtani does in baseball?” Instead of playing it safe, as many expected given the involvement of MLB star Shohei Ohtani, Travis Hunter’s comment landed him in choppy waters. He replied, “Probably me. What I do in football because it’s a lot on your body, you know. Ohtani, he’s a great player. But you gotta do a lot in football.” After some slip-ups like these likely affecting his draft stock, will Brian Baldinger’s praise be enough to keep Travis Hunter’s NFL hopes alive?