Travis Hunter has been a standout since his high school days, but what he showcased at Colorado’s Pro Day took things to another level. Initially not expected to run routes, Hunter made a last-second decision to participate and, in doing so, delivered a performance that left analysts and former NFL executives stunned. Among them was ESPN’s Louis Riddick, who made one of the boldest evaluations yet.
Travis Hunter Shocks NFL Insiders with Pro Day Performance
Hunter ran routes without wearing gloves an uncommon choice in high-stakes workouts where prospects typically try to maximize their performance. Yet, not a single pass slipped through his hands. This display of raw ability had many insiders reevaluating his NFL potential, particularly at wide receiver.
ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky attended the Pro Day and walked away convinced. “No question” Hunter can play both wide receiver and cornerback at the pro level, Orlovsky said. His personal starting point, however, would be wide receiver, and he emphasized he’d design an offense to get the ball to Hunter at least 12 times per game.
What really turned heads was the comparison Orlovsky made: a blend of Larry Fitzgerald and Justin Jefferson. He pointed to Hunter’s body control, contested catch ability, and long, smooth strides as traits rarely seen in one player.
Matt Harmon of Yahoo! Sports also praised Hunter’s offensive tape, calling him an “elite wide receiver prospect” and saying his film profile is “one of the best” he’s ever charted.
Louis Riddick’s High Praise: “True 1 of 1 Type Stuff”
But it was Louis Riddick who summed up the moment with remarkable clarity. A former NFL executive and seasoned analyst, Riddick called what he witnessed something he’s never seen before.
“Played football a long time. Been around football a long time while hanging out around pros in the league since middle school. Never seen a guy catch the ball, no gloves, while running routes and NOT see him ‘bobble’ it, double catch it, or hear the ball when it hit his hands, like I witnessed yesterday with Travis Hunter. He’s the natural. True one-of-one type stuff.”
Played football a long time.
Been around football a long time-hanging out around pros in the league since middle school.
Never seen a guy catch the ball, no gloves, while running routes, and NOT see him “bobble” it, double catch it, or hear the ball when it hit his hands, like…
— Louis Riddick (@LRiddickESPN) April 5, 2025
The stats back the hype. Last season, Hunter had 15 touchdown catches (second-most in college football), forced 27 missed tackles after receptions (fourth-most), picked off four passes, and allowed just one touchdown as a cornerback.
Given this two-way excellence, Hunter now looks like a lock for a top-five selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. With the momentum he’s building, it’s clear: Travis Hunter isn’t just talented he’s special.