NFL prospect Travis Hunter is projected to excel at both wide receiver and cornerback in the pros, following in the footsteps of his former coach, Deion Sanders, who also played both positions at times during his career. However, some experts question whether it is realistic for a player to succeed in both roles at the professional level. Former NFL player Ed McCaffrey believes that Hunter should follow Sanders’ blueprint and focus more on cornerback, as he is likely to be more valuable in that position. McCaffrey notes that playing both offense and defense in the pros, which Hunter did in college, may not be sustainable long-term due to the higher level of competition in the NFL.
As the father of four football players, including NFL stars Christian and Luke McCaffrey, Ed McCaffrey has experience with position changes and believes that a player’s duty is to excel wherever the coach places them. He admires Hunter’s versatility and success playing multiple positions in college, acknowledging that he is a true football player. Hunter himself has expressed his desire to continue playing both cornerback and wide receiver in the NFL, stating that he would not play football if forced to choose only one position. Despite some skepticism, Hunter’s impressive performance on offense and defense in college suggests that he is capable of excelling in multiple roles at the professional level.
During the previous season, Hunter played a significant number of snaps on both offense and defense, demonstrating his productivity in both positions. As a wide receiver, he had 96 catches for 1,258 yards with 15 touchdowns, while as a cornerback, he recorded 35 tackles, four interceptions, and several passes defended. The Cleveland Browns, who are the favored team to land Hunter in the upcoming draft, have indicated that they see him primarily as a wide receiver but acknowledge his ability to excel at both positions. General manager Andrew Berry believes that Hunter’s versatility and skill set make him a unique player who can perform at a high level in multiple roles.
While McCaffrey and some experts lean towards Hunter focusing more on cornerback in the NFL, acknowledging the challenges of playing both offense and defense at the professional level, they do not dismiss the possibility of him excelling as a wide receiver as well. McCaffrey notes that Hunter’s mechanics are more refined as a cornerback currently, but he believes that Hunter has the athleticism and potential to succeed on offense with further development of his route running and skill set. Ultimately, the decision on Hunter’s position in the NFL will likely depend on the team that drafts him and their specific needs, but his versatility and skill set offer him the opportunity to make an impact on both sides of the ball.
Regardless of where Hunter ends up playing in the NFL, his commitment to playing both cornerback and wide receiver showcases his love for the game and his confidence in his abilities to dominate on either side of the ball. While some may question the feasibility of excelling in multiple positions at the professional level, Hunter’s success and determination in college suggest that he has the potential to continue thriving in both roles in the NFL. As he prepares for the upcoming draft, Hunter remains focused on proving himself as a versatile and impactful player, ready to contribute to whichever team selects him and showcase his skills as both a cornerback and wide receiver.
