The million-dollar question heading into the 2025 season is whether the team that drafts Travis Hunter will let him play both ways in the NFL. Opinions are split across the league.
But former All-Pro wide receiver Steve Smith has made his stance clear, offering insight after watching Hunter up close at Colorado’s pro day.
Steve Smith Makes Bold Assessment of Travis Hunter
Although Hunter didn’t participate in full workouts at Pro Day, he did run routes with several NFL scouts in attendance — including Smith.
After observing one of Hunter’s route reps, Smith suggested the two-way star might be better off focusing on just one position at the next level.
“One thing I would say is when he was sitting down, he put his hands backward. What that indicates to a defender is that he was going to break down. So he needs to keep both his hands moving,” Smith said, pointing out a technical flaw in Hunter’s route running.
Still, Smith was optimistic about Hunter’s future and said with more time and focus, he could sharpen his craft. But to do that, he said Hunter should commit to one side of the ball.
“But he is a young lad. As he hones in on his craft more and more in the league, he’ll be fine. That’s why, most likely, you have to play one position primarily so he can master his craft. Because you never want to be a jack of all trades and a master of none. They don’t play masters of none.”
How does Travis Hunter's route-running look to an All-Pro receiver?@SteveSmithSr89 puts the Heisman Trophy winner under the microscope. pic.twitter.com/hyCcA7DnzA
— Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) April 4, 2025
If Hunter were to choose just one position — either wide receiver or cornerback — he’d arguably be the top prospect at that spot. But his desire to play both ways is giving some NFL teams pause.
Hunter’s pro day showing was limited to running routes, where he flashed quick, crisp cuts and sudden movement. And in fairness, he has three years’ worth of highlight-reel plays and elite production to back him up.
The 2024 Heisman Trophy winner is a near-lock to be a top-five pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. While the No. 1 pick Tennessee Titans appear set on Cam Ward, they’re said to view Hunter as a legit two-way star. The No. 2 Cleveland Browns are reportedly leaning toward him as a wide receiver.
PFSN’s most recent 2025 NFL mock draft from Justin Lewis projects Hunter to go No. 3 to the New York Giants. The big question now: will another team make a move to trade up and get him?