Travis Hunter: Which NFL team will draft him? And what is a two-way player?

Just like Shohei Ohtani, the "unicorn" of baseball, renowned for his rare ability to excel as both a top hitter and pitcher, the NFL (National Football League) may soon welcome a two-way superstar as well. This potential arrival could significantly change how teams strategize and utilize versatile players.

Travis Hunter is expected to be the top pick in this year's draft after being named the best player in college football in 2024. In the past 27 years, the NFL has never seen a rookie like him who excels on both offense and defense. His unique skill set makes him a highly sought-after prospect.

Hunter is arguably the greatest two-way player in college football history, but NFL teams are still hesitant about how to use him. BBC Sport will delve into the uniqueness of this 21-year-old player and the dilemmas faced by NFL scouts as they prepare for the draft. This analysis will provide insights into the challenges and opportunities Hunter presents.

Hunter was the nation's top-ranked recruit out of high school in Georgia, playing both cornerback and wide receiver. In 2022, he committed to Jackson State University to play under Deion Sanders, who won two Super Bowls as a two-way player in the 1990s. In 2023, Sanders became the head coach at the University of Colorado, and Hunter transferred with him, continuing to excel on both sides of the ball. In his third and final season of college, he became the first player to win both the Defensive Player of the Year and Wide Receiver of the Year awards. He also became the first two-way player since Charles Woodson in 1997 to win the Heisman Trophy (best player award), ensuring he will be one of the first players selected in the draft held from April 24-26. His accomplishments have solidified his position as a top prospect.

NFL teams had the opportunity to evaluate the best rookies in this year's draft at the scouting combine this past weekend. Although Hunter chose not to participate in any drills, he spoke with team officials and the media, making it clear that he wants to continue playing full-time on both offense and defense. Last season, he played in all 13 of Colorado's games, recording 4 interceptions, 96 receptions, 1,258 receiving yards, and 15 touchdowns. He was involved in 87% of the team's offensive plays and 83% of the defensive plays. However, very few people can play both positions simultaneously in the NFL. Chuck Bednarik was the last true two-way player, playing center and linebacker for the Philadelphia Eagles from 1949 to 1956. The rarity of this feat highlights the challenge Hunter faces.

Since 2006, Patrick Ricard is one of only six players to have over 200 snaps on both offense and defense, but the Baltimore Ravens' full-back has rarely been involved in defense since 2019. William 'the Refrigerator' Perry, Troy Brown, Mike Vrabel, and Julian Edelman have also played multiple positions, but none have regularly played both offensive and defensive roles in the same season like Sanders did for the Dallas Cowboys in 1996. Woodson focused almost entirely on defense after being drafted, and Sanders has told teams not to draft Hunter if they don't plan to give him the opportunity to play both offensive and defensive roles. Sanders' endorsement underscores the importance of Hunter's two-way capabilities.

Hunter said, "They say no one has done it like me, but I tell them I'm just different." This statement encapsulates his confidence and belief in his unique abilities.

Hunter stated that his role in the NFL is "still up in the air" and depends on the "organization" that selects him, as each organization seems to have different ideas on how best to utilize him. The Tennessee Titans have the first pick in the draft. Last week, General Manager Mike Borgonzi called Hunter "special," while Head Coach Brian Callahan said he is "one of a kind." They both stated that they believe Hunter would start at cornerback, with Callahan adding, "Then you find ways to get him involved on offense as he gets more comfortable." He even hinted that Hunter could also serve as a punt returner. This suggests the Titans are considering various ways to integrate Hunter into their team.

The Cleveland Browns have the second pick in the draft, and General Manager Andrew Berry said Hunter is a "unicorn" who will "primarily be a wide receiver first." The New England Patriots have the fourth pick, and their executive Eliot Wolf said, "He'll probably major in one (position) and minor in the other." Hunter insists he wants to be a full-time player at both positions, adding, "It's not something I have to think about." Hunter's determination to play both positions is unwavering.

Hunter averaged 111.5 snaps per game at Colorado, 40 more than the highest offensive snap count in the NFL last season, but he hopes to emulate baseball star Shohei Ohtani and show that two-way players can "become a trend" in the NFL as well. "I did a lot of treatment," he said. "People don't see that part – everything I did for my body to make sure I was 100% for every game. I did it at the college level, where you barely get rest. There's more rest in the NFL, so I know I can do it." His commitment to physical conditioning and recovery is crucial to his success as a two-way player.