August 31st 2024.
Travis Hunter, the talented two-way star for CU, was turning heads as a receiver during Thursday night's game. It was previously believed that he would play defense in the NFL, but after watching him in person for the first time, that opinion has shifted. He is a natural playmaker and would be the perfect addition to the Broncos, filling the gap they desperately need.
Early mock drafts have projected Hunter to go around the 10th pick, which would be a great pick for the Broncos if they finish with seven wins. However, it wouldn't be surprising if he was taken even earlier in the draft. If he is still available when the Broncos are on the clock, they must take him. They may even consider trading up a few spots if necessary.
Let's be real, have you seen the Broncos' offense? If Hunter were to join the team in Seattle on September 8th, he would already be their most explosive weapon, without even working out with the team. Quarterback Shedeur Sanders admits that he doesn't even see Hunter in practice every day since he splits his reps on both offense and defense.
After his impressive performance in the game against North Dakota State, it's no wonder that fans in the tunnel leading up to the locker room were asking for Hunter's autograph and blessing. He was that good. He has the special ability to turn a simple hamburger into a delicacy that you would drive 50 miles out of your way to order. It's clear that Hunter would make the Broncos a much better team.
His elite speed, precise route running, and ability to master the Michael Irvin push-off make him a formidable opponent on the field. He may have gotten away with a couple of offensive interferences during the game, but that's just a testament to his impressive skills. He can bend and contort his body in ways that seem impossible, and his hands are incredibly sticky.
Even Coach Deion Sanders, who is not easily impressed, admits that there is no 50-50 ball with Travis Hunter. If the ball is near him, it's his, no question. He's just that kind of athlete. And for those who think that his performance against North Dakota State was an overreaction, they should know that Hunter does this against every team he faces. He even had three 100-yard games last year, including one against Utah where the Buffs were playing a walk-on quarterback.
But let's not just take my word for it, scroll through social media and see what others are saying. Broncos' All-Pro cornerback Patrick Surtain II tweeted that Travis Hunter is one of a kind and he has never seen anything like it. Dolphins' star receiver Tyreek Hill also chimed in, saying that whoever gets the first pick in the draft, if they need a lineman or quarterback, they should take Travis Hunter. Even LeBron James called him "RIDICULOUS!!!!"
During the game, Hunter had seven catches for 132 yards and three touchdowns on 55 snaps, and on defense, he allowed only three catches for 18 yards in 69 snaps. He only sat out for three plays during the entire game. But it was his last touchdown that really solidified his talent and made the Broncos' scouts take notice. He showed quick feet and a head fake off the line of scrimmage, then caught the ball while being arm-barred around his neck by a defender. It was like watching something out of the Matrix, and it's moments like these that make you realize just how special Travis Hunter is.
It's clear that Hunter is a big deal, and some may even argue that he should be the top Heisman contender over Sanders because of his versatility. However, the one concern about Hunter is his size. He is not a big player, and this could potentially pose a problem for him in the NFL. Durability is key in professional football, and Hunter has never made it through a college season without getting injured. He is listed at 6-foot-1 and 185 pounds, but he probably finishes games around 175 pounds. However, his endurance is comparable to that of a Tour de France cyclist, so it's not a matter of his physical abilities, but rather his size.
But there is a comparison that gives hope for Hunter's future in the NFL. He reminds me of 2020 Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith, also known as the "Slim Reaper." Smith is also a very thin player, yet he has managed to average 80 catches, 1,059 yards, and six touchdowns in his first three seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles. And for the Broncos, there hasn't been a player who has posted those kinds of numbers in the last three seasons.
The only player who comes close to Hunter's level in recent memory is Charles Woodson. He is like the Shohei Ohtani of college football. Hunter may be shy and doesn't talk much to the media, but on the field, he speaks volumes with his talent. He is a 4.0 student, and football is his life. He also enjoys making funny videos for his 1.4 million followers on TikTok and Instagram.
After the season-opening victory, Hunter showed his confidence by telling a reporter that even when he is covered, he is always open. And he's right. When it comes time for the NFL draft, the Broncos should not hesitate to pick Travis Hunter. It's a no-brainer.
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