The debate surrounding Travis Hunter seems endless. Ever since the Colorado Buffaloes dual-threat declared for the 2025 NFL Draft, analysts have speculated nonstop about what role Hunter will take on with the team that picks him. However, one popular insider recently pushed the idea that they should let him “follow his nose.”
Hunter is one of those players that comes along once in a generation. The former Buffaloes star not only played but excelled as a receiver and cornerback in his college football years. Despite that, most experts believe Hunter will have to stick to one role when he reaches the NFL.
Analysts say the physical demands of professional football will be too much even for Hunter. However, Philip Dukes, better known as DukesTheScoop, recently revealed how any team could maximize Hunter’s defensive skills to take advantage of his talents on offense.
The ideal scheme for Travis Hunter
In a chat on the Prime Time for College Football podcast, Dukes considered that most specialists only see the former Colorado star as a “player who played a ton of man right.” He admitted that many do not believe he is suitable to play zone defense, but Dukes emphasized that if he plays in a proper scheme, Hunter can be a great zone player.
The specialist explained, “Let’s say he plays next to a more rangy safety or he has a linebacker that can cover that deep third. Travis is going to be able to take more chances and that’s what makes him great.” Also, Dukes warned that the best thing his future team can do is let Hunter follow his instincts.
“When he sees something he follows his nose and he says, ‘You know, I’m going to find the ball,'” Dukes revealed, and then added, “That’s where Travis Hunter is at his best and I think he’ll be able to do that more in the NFL.”
How much will Hunter’s contract be worth?
Dukes didn’t just highlight Hunter’s potential, he also noted that his skills could make him one of the highest-paid players in the NFL. “He’s going to be the first person ever that we see get paid the way he plays, literally plays, not just packages,” the analyst said.
Hunter’s ability has drawn comparisons to another two-way star, baseball player Shohei Ohtani. Two years ago, Ohtani received a massive 10-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Is Hunter on track to receive a similar deal? Only time will tell.
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