Certain players in American sports are often described as “unicorns” — rare talents with a unique combination of skills that set them apart from everyone else.
Travis Hunter fits that description perfectly. Exceptionally gifted on both sides of the ball, Hunter made a name for himself in college as a standout wide receiver and cornerback, winning the Heisman Trophy and establishing himself as one of the top overall prospects in the class.
And he’s not backing down from that two-way approach at the next level.
Joe Schoen Explains Plan for Hunter if They Draft Him
Earlier this week, Travis Hunter made it clear that he has no intention of being limited to just one position in the NFL, and that he’s fully committed to playing on both sides of the ball — offense and defense.
While some question whether that’s sustainable given the physical demands of the NFL, Hunter proved in college that it’s more than just a novelty. He was a shutdown cornerback and a dynamic weapon at wide receiver, showing he can make a real impact no matter where he lines up.
Giants general manager Joe Schoen revealed how the team would plan to use Travis Hunter if they manage to select him with the No. 3 overall pick in the upcoming draft. The plan would be to embrace his versatility — giving him opportunities to impact the game as both a playmaker on offense and a difference-maker on defense.
Schoen said he’s not afraid to play Travis Hunter on both sides of the ball. Considers him a great athlete.
“This guy can do it all…he’s a great kid so it’d be hard to keep him off the field and he’s motivated to play both ways”
“I wouldn’t doubt the kid” #Giants
— Evan Barnes (@evan_b) April 16, 2025
“This guy can do it all…he’s a great kid so it’d be hard to keep him off the field and he’s motivated to play both ways”, Schoen said. “I wouldn’t doubt the kid”.
In 2024, his best season in college, Travis Hunter was exceptional on both sides of the ball. Offensively, he recorded 98 receptions for 1,258 total yards and 15 touchdowns. Defensively, he tallied 11 pass deflections, 35 tackles, 1 forced fumble, and 4 interceptions.
Replicating that style of play in the NFL would require fully committing to two physically and mentally demanding positions—splitting time between meetings with both units, taking exceptional care of his body, and inevitably prioritizing one role over the other.
The most realistic scenario? If Hunter embraces the challenge, he’ll likely play cornerback full-time while being featured in specific offensive packages—used situationally rather than as an every-down weapon.
Just a few days ago, Devin Hester noted that players like Travis Hunter don’t need 10 touches a game—just enough involvement to unlock their potential. He emphasized that coaches must know how to manage uniquely gifted players.
Whether at wide receiver or cornerback, Hunter is the kind of talent that gives coaches a good headache.
If he ends up with the New York Giants, he’d have a Super Bowl-winning quarterback throwing him the ball and a stout defense behind him—an ideal setup to emerge as one of the NFL’s next elite stars.
