Travis Hunter, the electrifying two-way star from Colorado and 2024 Heisman Trophy winner, is no stranger to headlines. But recent comments—both his own and from prominent NFL voices like Jim Harbaugh—have sent shockwaves through league circles, casting a shadow over what once looked like a guaranteed top-five selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Hunter, who has dominated college football as both a wide receiver and a lockdown cornerback, has made it clear that he intends to play both sides of the ball at the next level. That ambition, while admirable and unprecedented in today’s NFL, has left scouts and front offices divided. His versatility is undeniable, but the league is notoriously rigid when it comes to specialization, and some teams view his two-way aspirations as a potential risk.
Jim Harbaugh, now with the Los Angeles Chargers, recently added fuel to the fire. While not directly targeting Hunter, Harbaugh questioned whether “playing both ways in the NFL is sustainable,” hinting that focus and development at one position is more valuable long-term. Though Harbaugh’s comments were more philosophical, the implication was clear: teams might be hesitant to invest high draft capital in a player unwilling to commit to a single role.
NFL legend Michael Irvin, on the other hand, has supported Hunter’s stance but with a dose of realism. “If you’re not letting me play both ways, don’t draft me,” Irvin suggested Hunter should tell teams, emphasizing the importance of clarity heading into the draft. That sort of directness might help align him with franchises willing to innovate—but it could also narrow his landing spots.
Another layer complicating Hunter’s draft outlook is his frame. At 6’1″ and around 185 pounds, some scouts have raised concerns about how his body will hold up under the rigors of playing both offense and defense in a 17-game NFL season. Durability is a key factor in draft evaluations, and while Hunter has shown remarkable resilience in college, the NFL is an entirely different beast.
Analysts like ESPN’s Steve Muench have begun speculating that Hunter might slip outside the top five, with some suggesting he could even fall toward the back end of the top 10. This wouldn’t necessarily reflect a lack of talent—Hunter is still considered one of the most dynamic and gifted athletes in the draft—but rather a combination of team fit, positional value, and organizational philosophy.
Still, his skill set is impossible to ignore. Hunter has the elite speed, ball skills, and instincts to be a shutdown corner, while simultaneously possessing the route-running and hands to excel as a receiver. If he lands with a forward-thinking coaching staff willing to adapt and maximize his rare talents, he could redefine what’s possible in the modern NFL.
Whether he goes No. 2 or No. 12, Travis Hunter will be one of the most closely watched players in the 2025 NFL Draft. His future hangs in the balance—but if he finds the right team, the league may be forced to evolve around him.
