Any NFL team that selects Travis Hunter in this month’s NFL draft will face a unique challenge right from the start: How exactly should they utilize him? Should they seriously entertain the idea of having him on the field for nearly every snap, both on offense and defense – as he desires and as he did during his college career at Colorado? However, transitioning to the NFL means breaking old norms and avoiding unnecessary risks.
The concern is whether an NFL team would be willing to increase the injury risk on their substantial investment of $40 million by allowing Hunter to take on such a heavy workload, something rarely seen in professional football. Former NFL quarterback Kordell Stewart expressed his apprehension, reflecting on his own experiences, stating, “That’s my fear… that they don’t know what to do with him in the National Football League.”
Hunter, a versatile player who excels as a cornerback and receiver, is anticipated to be a top-five draft pick on April 24. Teams holding these top picks have acknowledged Hunter’s proposition to some extent, though they are not completely convinced. The bigger question revolves around whether the potential benefits outweigh the risks, and whether Hunter possesses the exceptional abilities to challenge conventional beliefs about player utilization.
Hunter’s ambition to play every snap in the NFL was evident when he stated, “All of them if they give me a chance.” While this approach is unconventional in the NFL, it was only made possible in college when Colorado coach Deion Sanders allowed Hunter this freedom. Transitioning to the more traditional NFL environment will present even greater challenges for Hunter.
Playing both offense and defense on a full-time basis is a rarity in the modern NFL. While historical instances exist, such as Chuck Bednarik’s dual role in the mid-20th century, full-time two-way players have become almost extinct. NFL teams typically prefer players to specialize in one position due to their financial capabilities. Therefore, a compelling argument must be presented to justify any exceptions.
The prospect of Hunter playing both ways raises concerns about player fatigue and heightened injury risk. Richard Giller, a prominent sports insurance recovery attorney, pointed out the increased exposure to injury that comes with doubling the number of snaps. Protecting the team’s investment in Hunter involves complex risk assessments, potentially necessitating the purchase of insurance coverage against temporary total disability.
During his time at Colorado, Hunter amassed a staggering number of plays, leading college football in this regard. Given his high workload and physical attributes, questions arise about his long-term durability in the NFL. As teams consider the implications of embracing Hunter’s unconventional playing style, the balance between risk and reward looms large in their decision-making process.
Hunter’s versatility in both offense and defense has sparked comparisons to Kordell Stewart’s groundbreaking career as a multi-position player in the NFL. Stewart, a former Colorado quarterback, defied the traditional mold of a quarterback, showcasing his skills at various positions such as receiver, running back, and even punter during his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers. His success paved the way for future Black quarterbacks with mobility in the league.
In a recent conversation with USA TODAY Sports, Stewart expressed admiration for Hunter’s unique talent and urged teams to embrace his versatility without restriction. Stewart emphasized the importance of utilizing Hunter’s exceptional abilities to maximize team success, likening his impact to that of a generational superstar.
Despite being the most decorated college player in a single season with numerous awards, there are uncertainties surrounding Hunter’s potential role in the NFL. Teams are cautious in revealing their true intentions leading up to the draft, with differing opinions on how to best utilize Hunter’s talents to benefit their team.
As the draft approaches, the Jacksonville Jaguars, among other teams, acknowledge the need for a collaborative effort to accommodate Hunter’s skills effectively. Coaches and staff must be patient and open-minded to fully integrate Hunter into their system and unleash his full potential on the field. The New England Patriots, while acknowledging Hunter’s talent, also stress the importance of focusing on a single position to optimize his development.
With teams like the Titans, Browns, Giants, and Patriots in the running for Hunter, the NFL awaits to see how his unique skill set will be harnessed at the professional level.
Titans head coach Brian Callahan believes it is “very realistic” for Hunter to play on both sides of the ball. However, they plan to initiate him as a cornerback before incorporating him as a receiver when needed. On the other hand, the Browns view him primarily as a receiver initially, recognizing Hunter as a “unicorn” who could excel in both roles, according to general manager Andrew Berry. Berry stated at the NFL scouting combine this year, “In terms of Travis Hunter, cornerback or receiver, the answer is yes.”
Despite the differing perspectives, how does Travis Hunter himself perceive the situation? Even if Hunter becomes a regular two-way player, it is unlikely to pave the way for other athletes to follow suit. As Whaley remarked, “There are not enough individuals with that level of ability.”
Reflecting on Hunter’s unique talent, Sanders described him as “Him” and emphasized the rarity of this situation. The question remains: will an NFL team capitalize on this opportunity? Football icons Sanders and Bo Jackson achieved legendary status by excelling in both football and baseball at the highest levels. Hunter has the potential to reach similar heights in an NFL city if he performs on both offense and defense at the highest level.
Despite potential doubts from NFL teams due to the unprecedented nature of his dual-role intention, Hunter remains undeterred in his pursuit. He is focused on the potential rewards rather than dwelling on the risks. “I believe I can do it,” he affirmed. “Nobody has stopped me from doing it this far.”
When envisioning his draft announcement, Hunter expressed his desire for NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to declare him as a wide receiver and defensive back. This unique scenario has generated significant interest and speculation among football enthusiasts.
For further updates, follow reporter Brent Schrotenboer @Schrotenboer or email bschrotenb@usatoday.com.
