ESPN analyst and former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky and former New York Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum debated Colorado star Travis Hunter’s two-way ambitions in the NFL on the network’s March 3 episode of “Get Up.”
Hunter took over the college football world with his elite two-way skills at Colorado, and on the road to the 2025 NFL Draft, he’s made it clear he doesn’t want to limit himself to just one position. The projected top-three draft pick is considered one of, if not the best, wide receiver and cornerback prospects in this year’s class.
ESPN Analysts Debate which position Travis Hunter should play
Orlovsky showed high praise for Hunter, comparing the Heisman Trophy winner to some all-time great wide receivers.
“I wanna be respectful here, I think he can do whatever he wants. When I watch the tape and when I watch the guy play… he looks like the guy who played in Minnesota for a long time, years ago,” Orlovsky said.
“Sometimes when he gets the ball in his hands, Travis Hunter looks like Randy Moss with the ball in his hand. Sometimes he looks like Tyreek Hill,” the former NFL QB continued. “So as great of a corner as he is, and I’m sure he’s going to play both at some points in his NFL career, his wide receiver skill and talent, it would be an easy decision for me, dude, you’re playing wide out.”
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Tannenbaum said it would be easier for Hunter to play cornerback with some snaps at wide receiver than vice-versa.
“I want it all. I want it both. I want Darrelle Revis on defense, and I want a point scorer on offense, and that’s why I lean corner early, but I still get 15-20 consequential plays [at wide receiver],” Tannenbaum said.
Hunter hauled in 96 catches for 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns at receiver last year for the Buffaloes. On defense, he racked up 36 tackles, 11 passes defended, four interceptions and a forced fumble.
“They say nobody has ever done it the way I do it, but I tell them I’m just different. I am a different person,” Hunter said.
Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry said he sees Hunter as a “receiver primarily first,” while Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan said he would start Hunter out at corner.
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Hunter was officially listed as a defensive back at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis but did not work out, he will instead showcase his skills at Colorado’s Pro Day on March 19.
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