Colorado Buffaloes star Travis Hunter ranks among the top prospects in this year’s NFL draft class. He’s generated significant interest for his rare ability to excel on both offense and defense at the college level.
Hunter, a hybrid wide receiver/cornerback coached by former NFL star Deion Sanders, posted impressive numbers during the 2024 season. He caught 92 passes for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns while recording 11 passes defended and four interceptions.
His performance earned him the Heisman Trophy.
Most draft analysts project Hunter as a top-three selection when the draft begins next week.
Former NFL safety and Super Bowl champion Ryan Clark believes Hunter’s draft value depends on how teams plan to use him.
“If you don’t play Travis Hunter on both sides of the football, you don’t need to draft Travis Hunter in the top three,” Clark said during an appearance on ESPN.
"If you don't play Travis Hunter on both sides of the football, you don't need to draft Travis Hunter in the top three."
—@Realrclark25 on Travis Hunter pic.twitter.com/vnYhxUEGr8
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) April 15, 2025
Clark argues that Hunter isn’t an elite prospect at either wide receiver or cornerback individually. His value comes from his versatility to play both positions effectively.
Questions remain about Hunter’s ability to maintain two-way play in the NFL, particularly as the physical toll accumulates over multiple seasons. Even Sanders, known for his two-way abilities in college, primarily played cornerback during his 14 NFL seasons, catching just 60 passes throughout his career. Thirty-six of those receptions came in 1996.
Hunter’s trophy case includes the Heisman, AP College Football Player of the Year, and Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year awards from this past season.
