The Athletic’s most recent mock draft sees the Tennessee Titans trade back and select Travis Hunter.

In The Athletic’s latest mock draft, the Tennessee Titans are projected to trade back and select Travis Hunter, the dynamic cornerback and wide receiver from Colorado. This strategic move reflects the Titans’ intent to maximize their draft capital while securing a player of Hunter’s exceptional caliber.

Titans’ Draft Strategy: Trading Back for Value

The Titans hold the first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, a position that offers both immense opportunity and responsibility. Recent reports suggest that the Titans are considering trading down from this spot. This approach allows them to acquire additional assets while still targeting top-tier talent. Specifically, mock drafts have projected the Titans trading down to the third pick to select Travis Hunter.

Travis Hunter: A Generational Talent

Travis Hunter is widely regarded as one of the most versatile and talented prospects in recent memory. Standing at 6’1″ and weighing 185 pounds, Hunter has excelled as both a cornerback and wide receiver during his collegiate career at Colorado. His unique ability to impact the game on both sides of the ball has drawn comparisons to NFL stars like Patrick Peterson.

Collegiate Achievements and Versatility

Hunter’s college career is decorated with numerous accolades, including winning the Heisman Trophy in 2024. His statistics from that season are a testament to his dual-threat capability:

• Offense: 96 receptions for 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns.

• Defense: 35 tackles, four interceptions, and 11 passes broken up.

His ability to seamlessly transition between offense and defense showcases not only his athleticism but also his high football IQ and conditioning.

Scouting Report: Strengths and Potential

Hunter’s strengths are manifold:

• Ball Skills: His ability to track and high-point the ball makes him a threat both as a receiver and a cornerback.

• Athleticism: Hunter possesses exceptional body control, acceleration, and agility, allowing him to create separation as a receiver and close gaps as a defender.

• Football Intelligence: His awareness and instincts enable him to read plays effectively, making him a disruptive force on defense.

However, there are areas for development:

• Technique: While his athleticism often compensates, refining his cornerback technique will be crucial at the professional level.

• Physicality: Adding muscle mass could enhance his durability and effectiveness against more physical opponents.

Titans’ Current Roster and Hunter’s Fit

The Titans’ roster presents both challenges and opportunities for integrating a player like Hunter.

• Wide Receiver: The team has faced inconsistencies at this position, with injuries and departures affecting performance. Hunter’s addition could provide a reliable target and playmaker for the offense.

• Cornerback: While the Titans have depth in this area, Hunter’s ball-hawking skills and versatility could elevate the secondary’s performance, offering flexibility in defensive schemes.

Historical Context: Two-Way Players in the NFL

The NFL has seen few players excel on both offense and defense. Hunter’s ambition to continue this dual role in the professional league is reminiscent of legends like Deion Sanders. His unique skill set could redefine positional play in the modern NFL.