Mel Kiper Jr. projects what Travis Hunter can be if he plays wide receiver

Although Travis Hunter is listed as a cornerback in the 2025 NFL Combine, it’s unclear which side of the ball the former Colorado two-way star will play on in the NFL. On Monday, ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. made the case for Hunter to play wide receiver at the next level.

“He’s the No. 1 wide receiver,” Kiper said. “Can you imagine if he could have just settled in? If he was just a wide receiver? What would he be? If he was just a corner, what would he be? Being so great at both spots kind of hurts him a little bit.

“It doesn’t allow him to be great at that spot — number one — because he hasn’t played at the whole game just one spot. He’s got to worry about a whole other side of the ball, right? And the stamina and the endurance it takes to do that.

“You’re not going to be out there fresh every play when you’re playing so many plays and on both sides of the ball with the demands of tackling and covering down the field and preventing touchdowns, and then scoring touchdowns and be able to do things after the catch… Travis Hunter, to me, is the clearly, without any hesitation, by a mile, the best wide receiver in this draft.”

Despite rarely receiving a break during games this past season, Hunter tallied 96 catches for 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns. His 15 receiving touchdowns were the second-most in the nation, and the most of any Power Four wide receiver.

Hunter finished the season with eight 100-yard receiving games. For his efforts, he received endless accolades, including the coveted Heisman Trophy. ESPN’s Field Yates is just as optimistic about Hunter’s NFL potential as Kiper.

“He is the most natural playmaker that I have seen in a long time coming out the NFL Draft because the ball skills are simply incredible,” Yates said. “That feels like the football is thrown on a string to him.

“… It just feels like the ball is always going to find its way to Travis Hunter, and he is remarkable after the catch. It just feels like every time he has the football in the open field, he’s thinking six points. So I think he is the clear-cut top wide receiver male.”

Travis Hunter won’t have to wait much longer to see where he lands at the next level. The 2025 NFL Draft will take place from April 24-26 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.