Travis Hunter Opts Out of NFL Combine Workouts, Focusing on Dual-Position Play for NFL Teams

Travis Hunter, the standout two-way star from the University of Colorado, made waves recently by announcing that he would not participate in the on-field workouts at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine. Instead, the highly anticipated draft prospect intends to save his best for his pro day, where he will have the opportunity to showcase his remarkable skills in a familiar setting. Hunter, who captured national attention by playing both wide receiver and cornerback at Colorado, has made it clear that his future in the NFL lies in his ability to continue contributing on both sides of the ball.

The Rise of a Two-Way Star

Hunter’s journey to NFL stardom began with a standout career at Colorado, where his dual-threat capabilities set him apart from other prospects. In his time with the Buffaloes, Hunter proved to be one of the most versatile players in college football. As a wide receiver, he amassed impressive stats, including 96 receptions for 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns. As a cornerback, he recorded 25 tackles and four interceptions, showcasing his ability to lock down opposing receivers while contributing offensively.

Hunter’s performance did not go unnoticed. His exceptional skillset earned him a place in history as one of the rare defensive players to win the prestigious Heisman Trophy. Along with the Heisman, he claimed several other awards, including the Chuck Bednarik Award as the nation’s best defensive player and the Fred Biletnikoff Award for the best wide receiver. This recognition solidified Hunter’s status as one of the most exciting and unique prospects to enter the NFL Draft.

Skipping the Combine: A Calculated Decision

Despite being one of the most highly anticipated players at the NFL Scouting Combine, Hunter has chosen to skip the workouts. Instead, he plans to showcase his skills during his pro day, an event that allows prospects to perform drills in a more comfortable and controlled environment.

“I’m not doing anything here. I’m waiting until my pro day,” Hunter stated, underscoring his decision to bypass the combine’s rigorous testing. This move is not an uncommon one, especially among top prospects who may feel the combine environment is less conducive to their strengths. For Hunter, who has already proven his abilities in real-game situations, waiting until his pro day to perform makes more sense, allowing him to present his talents without the added pressure of the combine’s high-stakes environment.

In skipping the combine workouts, Hunter is following in the footsteps of other elite athletes who have decided to focus on their own personal showcase rather than risk an underwhelming performance that could impact their draft stock. For many top players, the NFL Combine serves more as a formality than a defining moment in their draft evaluation, and Hunter clearly feels confident enough in his abilities to forgo it in favor of a more familiar setting.

Dual-Position Play: A Unique NFL Prospect

What truly sets Travis Hunter apart from other top prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft is his ability to contribute as both a wide receiver and cornerback. Most players specialize in one position, but Hunter’s rare combination of skills allows him to dominate on both sides of the ball. This two-way capability has intrigued NFL teams, as it opens up numerous possibilities for how they might utilize him on their roster.

Hunter has made it clear that he intends to continue playing both positions at the professional level. “I’m going to play both. That’s not my job to figure it out. I like to play both sides of the ball,” he declared during the combine. His confidence and determination to play both receiver and cornerback are a testament to his belief in his abilities and his desire to impact the game in multiple ways.

While many NFL teams are scouting him as a wide receiver or cornerback, Hunter’s desire to play both could complicate his draft evaluation. Teams must decide how to best utilize him, with some potentially envisioning him as a Swiss Army knife who can fill multiple roles on both offense and defense. This versatility, however, presents a unique challenge for NFL organizations, as integrating a player into multiple roles requires careful planning and a commitment to his development across both sides of the ball.

In addition to his incredible skill set, Hunter possesses the rare athleticism required to succeed as both a wide receiver and cornerback in the NFL. His speed, agility, and football IQ make him a threat in multiple areas, and teams will have to carefully consider how they can maximize his potential. The New England Patriots, for example, have already begun scouting him with both positions in mind, signaling that they are willing to explore the possibility of using Hunter as a two-way player. The Patriots have a long history of deploying versatile athletes in unique roles, and Hunter could be a perfect fit for their system.

Impact on the NFL Draft

Hunter’s decision to skip the NFL Combine workouts and his continued commitment to dual-position play will undoubtedly impact his draft stock. NFL teams will need to evaluate how his talents align with their needs, and his versatility will either be seen as a valuable asset or a potential complication. While some teams may be excited by the idea of having a player who can contribute in multiple ways, others may prefer a more traditional prospect who specializes in a single position.

As the NFL continues to evolve and teams increasingly look for players who can fill multiple roles, Hunter’s dual-position abilities could make him an even more attractive prospect. His potential to be a game-changer in both the passing and defensive game is something that few players in the draft class can offer. The NFL has seen players like Deion Sanders and Charles Woodson make an impact as two-way players, and Hunter could follow in their footsteps.

However, there are also risks associated with Hunter’s decision to insist on playing both positions. Some NFL teams may be hesitant to invest in a player who may not fully specialize in one position, as the demands of the professional game require a high level of mastery. Hunter will need to prove that he can contribute at a high level in both roles, or risk becoming a player who is unable to fully meet the expectations of either position.