2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Travis Hunter

Prospect Summary:

Hunter is going to be one of the most watched and debated prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft.As we reported in the Hot Press, teams are divided on whether Hunter should be a wide receiver or a cornerback in the NFL. While he could play both positions some, to avoid injury and keep him fresh he will likely have to be full-time at one position and an occasional contributor at the other. Hence, there will be a vigorous debate about where Hunter fits in the NFL in the coming months.

As a wide receiver, Hunter is an impressive playmaker that can hurt defenses downfield. Hunter does not have blinding speed like Tyreek Hill or Jaylen Waddle, but Hunter runs well and can stretch defenses vertically. He runs good routes and shows a real knack for generating late separation from cornerbacks. Hunter is superb on 50-50 passes and winning contested catches even though he does not have mismatch height for a wide out. With serious athleticism, Hunter has excellent adjustment ability to contort his body and redirect to put him in position to make the reception. After the catch, Hunter is dangerous with the ball in his hands and is capable of juking tacklers, breaking tackles, and ripping up yards through the secondary.

Hunter’s ball skills are outstanding, and his ball skills are incredible at either position. His ability to snatch receptions as a receiver or interceptions as a cornerback is phenomenal. Hunter’s hands are extremely strong when he gets a grip on the ball, and he has soft hands to avoid drops. He is fantastic at high-pointing the ball, and if there is a 50-50 play with a corner or receiver, you can safely assume that Hunter will win the play. The sure-handness makes him a real red zone weapon on offense, and a dangerous cornerback to throw against. Along with snatching interceptions, Hunter is very skilled at slapping passes away from wide receivers.

As a cornerback, Hunter is extremely instinctive and versatile. Hunter’s instincts and vision make him a dynamite zone corner, and he is capable of playing off man coverage. He tricks quarterbacks, reads their eyes, has fabulous route recognition, and a serious closing burst to eat up ground. Hunter has enough size and physicality to play press man and is a willing tackler in run support. The one question this analyst has about Hunter as a cornerback is his ability to handle the deep speed receivers he will see in the NFL. Hopefully there where will be some fast opponents that provide some insight into that during the 2024 season.

Hunter is a freak athlete and a rare football player who could be a starting wide receiver or cornerback in the NFL. It will be fascinating to see which position he is focused on and whether his NFL team utilizes him on both sides of the ball.