Travis Hunter is one of the most talked-about prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. His rare ability to play both cornerback and wide receiver turned heads throughout his time at Colorado, and after winning the Heisman Trophy in 2024, he’s now projected as a top-four pick.
With just weeks to go before the draft, Hall of Famer Devin Hester had high praise for Hunter — urging the New York Giants to draft him if they get the chance, calling him a one-of-a-kind player.
Giants’ Way of Handling Young Players Could Be Great for Travis Hunter
In an interview with host Kay Adams, Hester was asked which team in the top four—excluding the Tennessee Titans, who are widely expected to take quarterback Cam Ward—would be the best fit to develop Hunter’s skill set.
Hester pointed to the New York Giants as the ideal destination for the versatile two-way star.
New York Giants should draft Travis Hunter, says Devin Hester!@heykayadams | @D_Hest23 pic.twitter.com/6SpPm5BRcP
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) April 10, 2025
“That’s a fit for him,” Hester said. “I don’t know how it’s going to pan out when you talk about Travis playing offense and defense, but I can see him playing some offensive plays with the Giants as well as playing DB.”
A player like Hunter—who can legitimately contribute on both sides of the ball — might be exactly what the Giants need. He’d help bolster a defense that already has solid talent and could also become a dynamic weapon for new quarterback Russell Wilson, who’ll need reliable playmakers around him.
Could It Work for Hunter to Play Both Ways in the NFL?
Hester’s take holds weight — he played both ways in college and understands the demands. Adams asked how Hunter might adapt to the pros and what it would take to maximize his skill set.
“Travis is special, he has a unique talent that comes around every decade,” Hester said. “Of course, we know what he can do on defense. The offensive side of the ball is where you have to be a special OC to utilize that type of kid. The talent that he has, you have to have an OC that has a creative mind to say, ‘Hey, let’s utilize this kid to his best ability.’”
Hester added that coaches need to build around Hunter’s strengths, not force him into rigid schemes that limit his abilities.
“If he’s a receiver that doesn’t need all these deep balls, give him something short and let him work. You need someone unique — someone who thinks outside the box. Not an old-school mentality with basic plays and expecting him to thrive. Be very creative when it comes to Travis.”
He wrapped by explaining that players like Hunter don’t need to be on the field every snap to have an impact. It’s about creating just enough disruption.
“If you can manage and do that with Travis, he doesn’t need the ball 10 or 15 touches. If you get it in his hands five to eight times a game, he’s dangerous. He doesn’t need it a lot. That’s what coaches have failed to realize with players like me, Travis, and those types of guys.”
Wherever Hunter lands — Cleveland, New York, or New England — the team that drafts him will have a great challenge: Figuring out how to unlock one of the most unique talents the NFL has seen in years.