Travis Hunter is one of a kind. In recent NFL memory, no player has challenged positional norms with such validity and proof of concept.
When he spoke at the NFL Scouting Combine, he rejected the notion that choosing between receiver and corner was a possibility. He’s playing both sides at the next level, potentially full-time, and it’s on the team that drafts him to figure out how to best make it work.
The Cleveland Browns, drafting second overall, could be that team.
In Indianapolis, Hunter revealed his attempt to emulate Browns star receiver Jerry Jeudy.
"I used to watch a lot of Jerry Jeudy because he's from Florida, and I'm from Florida, so I kinda copy his movements a lot," Hunter said. "But other than that, there's really no other player I style my game after."
Jeudy was once the consensus top receiver prospect in his class. Things took a detour before eventually exploding for 1,229 yards in 2024 in Cleveland.
After Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan and Missouri’s Luther Burden III put forth their cases to be the top receiver in the 2025 class, Hunter has emerged as the class’ best target – should he play there full time.
Some of Jeudy’s game is evident in Hunter’s skill set. He’s a unique mover, a natural separator, and can win off the line of scrimmage. Where Jeudy’s hands have often failed him, though, Hunter establishes himself as a truly unique prospect. Hunter, despite standing at 6-foot-1, is at his best above the rim, boasting 80-grade ball skills.
Browns general manager Andrew Berry described that as his superpower and the main reason why Cleveland wants him to prioritize the offensive side of the ball. Peppering him with targets could tap into his best skill far more often than the occasional pass breakup, even if he profiles as an elite cornerback.
Needless to say, the Browns have a major decision waiting for them. Perhaps the Tennessee Titans make their choice easier by taking Hunter before another team has a chance to, but it seems like Cleveland will be faced with taking the Heisman winner or a quarterback with a more direct impact on turning the franchise around.
It’s the kind of decision that defines a franchise’s future, and one the Browns cannot afford to get wrong.
