
via Imago
Dec 21, 2024; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes Heisman trophy winner Travis Hunter before the game against the Bellarmine Knights at CU Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

via Imago
Dec 21, 2024; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes Heisman trophy winner Travis Hunter before the game against the Bellarmine Knights at CU Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
No.3 overall pick can get you a lot of things in the NFL. You could go ahead and pick your next franchise QB. Or, you could trade the draft pick for a package of players and picks. But here’s the bummer: Colorado’s QB Shedeur Sanders and Miami’s QB Cam Ward are almost certain to be picked by either the Titans or the Browns. So, the Giants may not even get the chance to draft their next face of the franchise. And trading away the No.3 pick might help them get a slew of players.
But yet again, it probably won’t be enough to bring back smiles on the faces of their fans. Maybe that’s why NFL analyst Daniel Jeremiah has an interesting suggestion that the Giants could consider. Jeremiah, in his latest mock draft, wants the Giants to select Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter. “The Giants do their best to make up for letting Saquon Barkley walk in free agency last year by adding dynamic two-way player in Hunter.”
Translation: Jeremiah feels the G-Men could forget the horrors of letting Barkley move to the Eagles if treated with Hunter. Like we all know how Barkley’s switch from Big Apple to Philly turned out to be. His impact was so consequential the Eagles went on to win their second Super Bowl, with Barkley leading from the front. Imagine the pain of the Giants seeing their once-superstar, whom they refused to pay up, hoist Lombardi across the street. ‘Humiliating‘, to say the least.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Maybe they could probably never replace Barkley. But a player like Hunter could at least put a band-aid on their wound. Because grabbing him at No.3 would be a no-brainer for the Giants. Of course, they need to first sort out their QB position, which is still TBD. Getting a player like Hunter who can help them in both offense and defense would instantly make him a fan favorite. Yes, I know he has listed himself as a cornerback for the upcoming NFL Scouting Combine.

But don’t forget he also said “if necessary,” he will do wide receiver drills. So, expect the Giants to stick around for multiple days at the Combine just to watch Hunter. Why, you ask? Because the drills for CBs and WRs are on separate days. Giants need to put in those extra hours to get their hands upon Hunter.
See, there’s no doubt Hunter has the talent to become a once-in-a-generation player in the NFL. However, an NFL draft analyst has also warned the Giants to do their part and ensure they maximise Hunter’s potential.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Draft analyst wants the Giants to do everything in their power to support Travis Hunter
Hunter is all set to graze the NFL, having made waves on both sides of the ball last season. Playing 688 snaps on the defense, getting 4 interceptions. And also 672 snaps on offense, catching 92 passes for 1,152 yards and 15 TDs. So, there’s no way you can predict on which side of the ball Hunter truly excels in.
That’s why ESPN’s draft analyst Jordan Reid has a suggestion for the Giants. “If his body is able to withstand playing on both sides of the ball, you let him do that. Your job as a coach or a GM is to go out the best 11 players on the field. And you can make a strong argument that he’s included in the best 11 on both sides of the ball.”
Actually, you know what? Hunter’s body and the grilling nature of the NFL might not allow him to do so. Paul Schwartz of the New York Post, in his thoughts, explained that Hunter playing on both sides of the ball in the NFL could be a bit of an issue. Why? Because of his skinny frame and high possibility of getting injured. “Hunter is skinny—183 pounds—and needs to add some muscle to his frame. Having him both ways in the NFL is not feasible because of the high risk of injury and the inability to practice both positions each week.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Schwartz didn’t just paint a bleak picture of Hunter’s dual-threat capabilities. He has suggested a solution, “He could be used on offense on special or gadget plays.” There are a lot of things the Giants could actually do with Travis Hunter. But before they even start planning about his role on the gridiron. They need to pick him first. Otherwise, it would probably be yet another miserable season in the Big Apple.
And who knows? If it does turn out to be miserable, the Giants can get the No.1 pick next year. Maybe that’s the master plan!!
Have something to say?
Let the world know your perspective.
ADVERTISEMENT
Debate
Is drafting Travis Hunter the Giants' best shot at redemption after losing Barkley to the Eagles?
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
What’s your perspective on:
Is drafting Travis Hunter the Giants' best shot at redemption after losing Barkley to the Eagles?
Have an interesting take?