Colorado draft prospect Travis Hunter wants to play both receiver and cornerback full-time in the NFL, but the consensus in league circles is that he will likely focus on one position with a situational role at the other.
Even that would be a physical and mental challenge, not to mention a logistical one, too. Hunter would need to attend meetings for the full offense and defense, plus both of his positions, and he’d have to continue the juggling act during practices. He did it throughout his college career, but the jump in NFL competition and complexity would require even more discipline and time management.
A “slight majority” of teams polled by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler see Hunter as a cornerback. One executive said that he could be among a top-10 receiver, but one of the league’s best corners by the end of his first contract.
If forced to choose, Hunter would prefer to primarily play wide receiver, a sentiment that is shared by some scouts. Among them is ESPN’s Matt Miller, who argued that Hunter’s slender frame would face more wear-and-tear at cornerback and his playmaking ability offers higher upside at receiver.
Miller also noted that Hunter ran routes at Colorado’s pro day but did not participate in any cornerback drills, reinforcing the message that he will be receiver first in the NFL.
A quick comparison of wide receiver and cornerback contracts make it clear why Hunter would want to be classified as a receiver. His ability to play on both sides of the ball will already boost his earning potential, but his official classification is still important. The NFLPA will need to list him at one position, so being a receiver would offer him more money for both his fifth-year option and any potential franchise tags. In the long run, he stands to make significantly more money as a wide receiver who also contributes at corner as opposed to the inverse.
The Giants reportedly view Hunter primarily as a cornerback, but head coach Brian Daboll expressed openness to playing him at wide receiver.
“It’s really remarkable what he has done and the ability to perform at that level, not really getting a rest,” said Daboll (via Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post). “We’ll evaluate him at both spots.’’