Travis Hunter CB Colorado | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Travis Hunter CB Colorado
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
| ROLE: Outside Man/Press CB | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Last Updated: 07/24/2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Draft Year: 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 40 time: 4.40 seconds (84%*) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Age: 21.2 DOB: 05/18/2003 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| ROLE: Outside Man/Press CB | |
| Last Updated: 07/24/2024 | |
| Draft Year: 2025 | |
| 40 time: 4.40 seconds (84%*) | |
| Age: 21.2 DOB: 05/18/2003 | |
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| Overall Rating: | 91.5 / 100 | |
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| Average rating of opposition Offense player has faced | ||
| Offense Rating: |
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77% |
| Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects. | ||
| QB Rating When targeted: | 77.6 | |
| Tackling: |
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87% |
| Run Defense: |
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84% |
| Coverage: |
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88% |
| Zone: |
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80% |
| Man/Press: |
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87% |
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DRAFT PROJECTION:
1st - Top 5
Overall Rank:
#3
Position rank:
#1
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| College Games: 17 College Snaps: 1029 | ||
ESPN RATING: 94/100
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247 RATING: 100/100
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RIVALS RATING: 6.1 (100%)
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| Player Comparison* (Similarity level) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Christian Gonzalez - Oregon |
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86% |
| Devon Witherspoon - Illinois |
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83% |
| Trent McDuffie - Washington |
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79% |
Draft Profile: Bio
Travis Hunter, the versatile cornerback and wide receiver from Colorado, has emerged as one of the most intriguing prospects in recent memory. At 6'1" and 185 pounds, Hunter's rare combination of skills on both sides of the ball has NFL scouts buzzing about his potential impact at the next level.A native of Suwanee, Georgia, Hunter dominated at Collins Hill High School, setting the state record with 48 career receiving touchdowns while also snagging 19 interceptions. His exceptional play earned him consensus five-star status and the #1 overall recruit ranking from multiple services.
At Colorado in 2023, Hunter showcased his two-way prowess by playing 1,102 snaps - more than any other FBS player - despite missing 3.5 games. He earned consensus first-team All-American honors as a defensive back while also catching 57 passes for 721 yards and 5 touchdowns on offense. His remarkable versatility was recognized with the Paul Hornung Award as the nation's most versatile player.
Honors & awards
- 2023 Paul Hornung Award
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Elite athleticism and fluid change of direction skills translate to both cornerback and receiver positions, creating matchup nightmares
- Exceptional ball skills and playmaking ability, evidenced by 3 interceptions and 5 pass breakups on defense, and 57 receptions on offense
- Explosive with the ball in his hands, averaging 12.6 yards per reception and demonstrating big-play potential
- Ideal length for an NFL cornerback at 6'1" with 81st percentile height, allowing him to contest catches against taller receivers
- High football IQ and instincts enable quick play diagnosis on defense and route adjustments on offense
- Versatility to contribute on both sides of the ball provides immense value and strategic options for NFL teams
- Impressive straight-line speed with a 4.40 40-yard dash time (84th percentile) allows him to keep pace with elite athletes
- Production against top competition as both a receiver and cornerback indicates potential for immediate NFL impact
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Lean frame at 185 pounds (20th percentile) raises concerns about durability and ability to withstand physical play at cornerback
- Relies heavily on athleticism in coverage, leading to occasional technique breakdowns, especially in press alignment
- Catch tackling tendency limits effectiveness in run support and could be exploited by more physical NFL receivers
- Splitting practice time between offense and defense may have hindered development of refined cornerback techniques
- Limited sample size as a full-time starter at the Power 5 level creates some uncertainty about his floor as a prospect
Scouting Report: Summary
Hunter is a super high-ceiling cornerback prospect with the unique ability to contribute as a wide receiver. While NFL scouts are reportedly leaning towards seeing Hunter as a wide receiver to best utilize his speed and electric ability with the ball in his hands, his potential as a shutdown corner can't be overlooked.
His rare combination of length, speed, and ball skills make him an ideal fit for a zone-heavy defensive scheme that allows him to keep his eyes on the quarterback and make plays on the ball. However, his offensive skills provide the flexibility for creative coordinators to deploy him in various roles, potentially as a two-way player in specific packages.
Despite his strengths, Hunter faces challenges. His dual-role raises concerns about durability and focus on honing skills at one position. Improving his physicality and consistency in backpedal transitions will be crucial for his success as a cornerback. Hunter's aggressive style also leaves him susceptible to big plays. Coach Prime, Deion Sanders, has said, "NFL got a problem. What you gonna draft him as? And... he's gotta play both ways. 'Cause he has value on both sides of the ball."
Overall, Hunter's blend of talent and athletic skills almost guarantees him a high first-round selection. Teams will need to decide whether to utilize his skills on offense, defense, or both. His success will depend on his ability to refine his game and stay healthy, but his potential impact on the field is undeniable.
Written By:
Lennox Tate (Pac-12)
How other scouting services rate Travis Hunter (Overall Rank)
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.