Travis Hunter has never shied away from the spotlight. He was built for it. A two-way unicorn with a Heisman-winning season under his belt, Hunter has a walking highlight reel. But as the NFL Draft process begins to heat up, the once-unquestioned superstar is suddenly facing doubts from key voices. The latest 2.0 drafts have already shifted in ways that could shake up his trajectory, and now a former first-round pick is throwing “cold water” on the Colorado star’s two-way ambitions. What once seemed like a no-brainer top-two selection is now turning into a debate about whether Hunter’s versatility is an asset or a liability.

For months, Travis Hunter was widely projected to be a top-two pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, with NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah initially slating him to the Cleveland Browns at No. 2 overall. But in Jeremiah’s latest 2.0 mock draft, the script flipped. He tumbled one spot, falling into the lap of the New York Giants at No. 3, with Miami quarterback Cam Ward now projected to go to Cleveland. He projects Penn State’s edge Abdul Carter at No. 1 with Tennessee. The drop isn’t drastic, but it raises eyebrows. A top-three pick is still elite territory, but when a player of Hunter’s caliber starts sliding — even just a little — it sparks conversations. And in this case, one of the loudest voices in the room is former Georgia All-American and first-round draft pick David Pollack.

Pollack isn’t just questioning Hunter’s draft stock; he’s questioning his entire approach to the game. The longtime ESPN analyst turned independent football voice delivered a strong take that could reshape the way teams view the Colorado star. “I don’t think you can do both,” Pollack said on his David Pollack College Football podcast. “And, listen, he proved he could at Colorado. This ain’t Colorado. This is about to be the best of the best.” Pollack’s concern isn’t just about whether Hunter can play both ways — it’s about whether he’s developed enough at either position to maximize his potential at the next level.

That’s where the real debate begins. Did Hunter’s two-way exploits at Colorado actually hold him back? Pollack certainly thinks so. “I honestly think by watching him – I think he also struggled because he played both,” he explained. “I don’t think it helped him develop as much as he possibly could.” It’s a damning critique, and one that could resonate in front offices across the league. The NFL isn’t college football.

There’s no room for learning on the fly, no time for split focus. And if Hunter is already being viewed as someone who could have been better had he specialized, that’s the kind of narrative that can push a player down draft boards. The 6’1″, enjoyed 15 touchdowns (tied second) at receiver while recording four interceptions and 11 pass breakups at CB.

Yet, for all the skepticism, there’s no denying Hunter’s immense talent. Even Pollack — who clearly believes Hunter’s best path is as a one-position player — acknowledges his ability. “When I watch him on both sides of the ball and I just say where do I think he’s better, I think he’s a better receiver,” Pollack admitted. “I think that’s his future. And I’m not saying he’s a bad defensive back. I think he’s got really good technique… he’s a really good corner that can stick to people, match movements.” But in Pollack’s eyes, he’s an even better wide receiver.

The whispers of whether Hunter could bring his 700+ snaps on both sides of the ball like in Boulder, to the league, is growing louder.

Pollack doesn’t think Travis Hunter is a “blazer” but he surely can catch

David Pollack isn’t sold on Travis Hunter being a speed demon, but that doesn’t mean the Colorado star isn’t a game-changer. When discussing Hunter’s NFL potential, Pollack admitted he’s eager to see Hunter’s official 40-yard dash time. “I don’t think he’s a blazer,” Pollack said. “I don’t think he’s gonna run a crazy fast 40. But when I see him at receiver, I see body control, I see elite hands, I see a lot of savvy off the line of scrimmage — he can adjust routes effortlessly.”

Hunter, of course, has been the ultimate do-it-all player for Colorado, thriving as both a lockdown corner and a dynamic receiver. With full backing from his head coach, Deion Sanders — who knows a thing or two about excelling on both sides of the ball — Hunter has embraced his two-way role at the college level.

But when it comes to the NFL? Pollack has a clear stance. “When I’m drafting him, I’m picking him for one side of the football.”

The Combine will take place from February 27 – March 2 before the 2025 NFL Draft is held from April 24 – 26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.