Travis Hunter was listed with the wide receivers and the defensive backs on the NFL’s Combine invite list, but he won’t be participating in drills for either position this week, per the Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson.
His decision continues a trend of Combine opt-outs in recent years, a list that includes Marvin Harrison Jr. and Malik Nabers in 2024. Players that are already projected to go in the top 10 have less to gain and more to lose by working out alongside their peers. A slow 40-yard dash or even worse, an injury, could tank their stock and cost them millions of dollars. Instead, Hunter will wait until Colorado’s pro day (date TBD) to showcase his athletic skills and technique on both sides of the ball.
Teams are split on Hunter’s position in the NFL. Some see him primarily as a receiver, while others see him as a cornerback who can play in certain packages on offense. Hunter has met with teams in both camps, per CBS Sports’ Aditi Kinkhabwala, but he does not have a preference for either position. He wants to continue playing both ways full-time as he did in college, something he reiterated at his podium session.
Positional drills and athletic testing for receivers and defensive backs take place on back-to-back days at the Combine. They’re not physically taxing compared to a live game, but the visual of Hunter participating in both sets of workouts could emphasize his potential as a two-way player, especially to front offices who are not yet sold on the concept.
However, flipping from receiver to cornerback within the span of a few hours at Colorado’s pro day could have an even more pronounced effect. Hunter will also be able to catch passes from longtime teammate Shedur Sanders as opposed to a rotation of quarterbacks throwing at the Combine.
His tape for himself. Heck of a baller.
If you’re not first. You are last. So sitting out is such a good idea. This kid is going to make the most money out of the entire draft. He won’t go first. And sitting out. Will no doubt get him a better team. lol
If teams weren’t so fixated on QBs, they’d take him first. He is hands down the best player in this draft. The dude is a special talent with an undeniable motor.
Bad teams aren’t smart teams, though.
He is not hands down the best player. Can you make a case for it? Yes. Hands down the best? No
Plenty of top guys aren’t working out at the combine. It’s not like teams are going to skip his pro day.