Travis Hunter continues to stand out as a top-tier talent for the 2025 NFL Draft, drawing attention with his standout performances at both cornerback and wide receiver. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. remains firm in his endorsement of the Colorado standout and naming a fit ahead of the draft.
Still, Kiper admitted in February 2025 that Hunter’s two-way versatility might slightly hinder his growth, saying, “Being so great at both spots kind of hurts him a little bit. It doesn’t allow him to be great at that spot — number one — because he hasn’t played at the whole game just one spot.”
Despite Split Focus, Travis Hunter Earns Mel Kiper Jr.’s Endorsement
Travis Hunter remains one of the most fascinating prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft, and despite lingering questions about his ability to master one position, ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. has backed the Colorado star’s two-way potential.
During a recent appearance on NFL Live with Ryan Clark, Kiper stood firm in his belief that Hunter’s versatility is an asset, not a liability.
Hunter, who plays both cornerback and wide receiver, has drawn mixed reviews from analysts. Critics argue that splitting time between two demanding positions may limit his ability to excel at either. Even Kiper acknowledged, “He can’t focus on one position.”
Yet, his admiration for Hunter’s impact remains. Kiper emphasized that Cleveland, holding the No. 2 pick after a 3-14 season, would be an ideal fit.
“He’ll be offense-focused, but he’ll be used heavily on defense at key moments and key drives,” Kiper said.
Ryan Clark also weighed in, challenging the idea of using Hunter in just one role. He warned that doing so would “waste a pick” that high in the draft.
Clark stressed that while Hunter may not yet compare to all-time greats like Julio Jones, Charles Woodson, or Jamar Chase at a single position, his combined value on both sides makes him unique.
“If you don’t allow Travis Hunter to play both sides of the football, you actually waste a pick,” Clark said.
Hunter himself has made his stance clear. In an interview with CBS Sports, he stated,
“If an NFL team told me I could only play on one side of the ball… I’m never playing football again.”
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Kiper and Clark agree that despite the challenges that come with his rare skill set, Travis Hunter’s dual-threat capability is exactly what makes him worthy of early selection.
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