Well, it looks like Travis Hunter’s two-way NFL dream just ran into a brick wall, as the cracks are showing. As if things were already not tough on him, with the Combine projection boxing him in as a corner, now his draft stock is slipping, with doubts swirling about his versatility. We all know Hunter’s been dead set on going for the No. 1 draft pick in the NFL, despite getting co-signs from NFL teams and players. His latest reports are dimming his top-five hopes faster than a stadium blackout and that’s not good.

See, Travis Hunter’s possibilities of being a No. 1 draft pick have been under the radar for a while now. First, with the list filling up fast with quarterbacks, OTs, and WRs, and then Hunter’s odds slipping with +500 to be the top pick, it pushes his stock. Even NFL Rookie Watch highlights the same thing, saying, “Travis Hunter reportedly ‘has a small chance’ of slipping out of the Top 5 picks, despite being one of the most generational prospects of recent memory. Several NFL scouts reportedly believe the top 5 could realistically be ‘composed of’ 3 QBs, Abdul Carter, and an OT/WR.”  That’s a fact. Carter’s stocks are rising high with +180 odds.

And it’s not just quarterbacks dominating the top spots. Teams are also keeping an eye on playmakers such as Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan at wide receiver, while linemen like Kelvin Banks, Will Campbell, and Josh Conerly Jr. are making strong cases for top-five consideration. When the draft board starts to take shape, the competitive numbers game can affect even a once-in-a-generation talent like Hunter.

Let’s face it, no one is doubting the exceptional skills that Travis Hunter brings to the table. However, the draft is not solely about talent; it’s also about finding the right fit. At the moment, teams at the top are in need of quarterbacks and offensive weapons like Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty. It’s evident that if Hunter is pigeonholed into a cornerback role, his draft stock could suffer naturally.

Even former NFL two-way player Will Blackmon joined the conversation on The Jim Rome Show, adding to the ongoing debate. When questioned about whether Travis Hunter is the top player in the draft, Blackmon didn’t hesitate to praise Hunter’s abilities. Yet, when discussing the possibility of Hunter going first overall? That’s a different story altogether.

Blackmon said about Hunter: “Yeah, I think he’s the best athlete in the entire draft. I think he’s the best player in the entire draft; I do. Will he go number one? No, because the team picking first, I don’t think that’s their need. Obviously, there are a lot of people that need quarterbacks, but he’ll definitely get grabbed soon.” But it’s weird to see this kind of speculation despite getting word of confirmation from the team itself in the top draft pick.

Tennessee Titans former player backs Travis Hunter’s draft stock

Well, the Tennessee Titans are currently facing a crucial decision. Possessing the top pick and a significant gap at quarterback, the logical choice points towards selecting a signal-caller.

Former Titans great Eddie George sees the dilemma, but he is up for bidding for Travis as he says, “It’s definitely important to have recognizable players. Guys, fans know and like to cheer for. But you’ve got to ask yourself does it fit a need? I wouldn’t just take a marquee player because he’s there.” Now can we blame him though?

However, there is also the intriguing option of Travis Hunter, a once-in-a-generation talent capable of altering the course of the team. Hunter is not just a product of hype; he is a living legend in the making. The NFL has recognized his exceptional abilities by labeling him as both a cornerback and wide receiver, a distinction only shared with Charles Woodson in 1997. His exceptional performance on both offense and defense is beyond doubt.

The dilemma arises from the tendency of teams to opt for safer choices, focusing on quarterbacks, offensive linemen, and defensive playmakers. Given Tennessee’s pressing need for a reliable quarterback, Hunter’s extraordinary skills may not be sufficient to overshadow the importance of positional value. But the impact goes beyond mere tactical fit. George acknowledges the transformative potential of a player like Hunter and does not underestimate his capacity to revolutionize the team. Fans of the Titans yearn for a standout performer, and Hunter’s charisma alone could bring a fresh dynamic to Tennessee.

Now as the draft night approaches, the team faces a critical question: Will they take a risk on a rare talent when conventional wisdom suggests building a strong foundation from the ground up?