As the NFL Draft nears in Green Bay, teams remain split on where to deploy Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter—offense or defense. The ex-Colorado standout impressed as both a receiver and cornerback, leaving scouts uncertain. Some franchises have Hunter join offensive sessions first, while others prioritize defensive meetings.
Hunter and quarterback Shedeur Sanders made a massive impact in just two seasons at Colorado. In recognition, the school will retire Sanders’ No. 2 and Hunter’s No. 12 jerseys Saturday during the spring game, marking them as the fifth and sixth numbers ever retired by the program.
Travis Hunter’s Draft Dilemma: Offense or Defense? NFL Teams Still Unsure
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, Travis Hunter remains one of the most intriguing prospects in recent memory.
The Heisman Trophy winner, who starred at both wide receiver and cornerback for Colorado, has left NFL front offices debating how to best utilize his elite versatility. Despite his standout two-way play, there is no consensus on where he should line up at the next level.
Peter Schrager, speaking on ESPN’s The Pat McAfee Show, shed light on the league’s divide.
“There’s a difference in opinion. I spoke to one team, and they said, ‘I put him at wide receiver. He’s the number one wide receiver in this draft, and he’s got unlimited potential, and he is so raw at the position.’”
Teams that view Hunter as a raw but high-ceiling offensive threat believe that with coaching, he could develop into a premier target.
“He’s just scratching the surface,” Schrager said, noting that Hunter’s route running isn’t yet polished, but his instincts, hands, and size are undeniable assets.
However, others are just as adamant that his future is on the defensive side.
“He is by far, bar none, the best defensive back in this draft,” Schrager emphasized.
The real challenge is that Hunter has proven capable of excelling in both roles—playing an astonishing 120 snaps per game in college.
“This guy’s doing stuff that is unprecedented,” Schrager added, comparing Hunter’s two-way dominance to Charles Woodson, though noting Woodson only played around 30 snaps on offense in a season.
Adding to Hunter’s mystique is his character.
“Great freaking kid—everyone says he’s about the right stuff,” Schrager said.
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Off the field, his leadership helped elevate Colorado’s program alongside quarterback Shedeur Sanders. The two arrived from Jackson State and revitalized the Buffaloes under coach Deion Sanders, turning a 4-8 team into a 9-4 Alamo Bowl contender.
Both will have their jerseys retired this weekend—Hunter’s No. 12 and Sanders’ No. 2.
Where Hunter ultimately lands remains a mystery. Some teams see him as a Day 1 two-way player, capable of starting at cornerback and contributing as a top receiver.
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