Broncos GM Discusses CU Star Travis Hunter’s Best NFL Position
Denver Broncos General Manager George Paton recently shared his thoughts on Travis Hunter’s potential two-way role in the NFL. Hunter, a standout player for the Colorado Buffaloes, is expected to be a top-five pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. His versatility has made him one of the most unique prospects in recent years.
While being a two-way player in football is impressive, excelling on both offense and defense at the highest level is rare. Hunter has proven himself as a dominant force on both sides of the ball, but this versatility has raised questions about which position he’ll play in the NFL—cornerback or wide receiver?
At the NFL Combine, Paton addressed this uncertainty, offering insight into his vision for Hunter’s future. “He can be whatever he wants to be. He’s that talented,” Paton said. “We’re still working through it, but I think he should play on both sides of the ball. So I’ll just leave it at that.” This statement is significant, as Paton is advocating for Hunter to maintain his two-way playing style at the NFL level, suggesting that the Broncos are considering him as a versatile player.
The Broncos, who hold the No. 20 pick in the draft, are unlikely to land Hunter unless they trade up, making it clear that Hunter will likely be out of their reach unless they make a major move. Some predict Hunter could go as high as No. 4 overall, and with his top-five outlook, he’s one of the most sought-after players in the draft.
Hunter has expressed a desire to remain in Colorado and play for the Broncos, but several teams are ahead of Denver in the draft order. While the Broncos could trade up to secure him, such a move would require significant sacrifices in future drafts, which is unlikely for a non-quarterback. Additionally, the Broncos’ focus is on building around quarterback Bo Nix, and they have a more pressing need for depth across the roster than for one player, even one as talented as Hunter.
Although it’s unlikely that Hunter will end up in Denver, the situation is still intriguing. While the NFL has seen a few successful two-way players, they are rare, and most teams ultimately transition these players to one position. Paton’s statement suggests that, if Hunter were to join the Broncos, they would be willing to give him the chance to continue his dual-role path. However, it remains to be seen if any NFL team will fully commit to such a strategy.
In the end, while it’s fun to imagine Hunter in Denver, it’s doubtful we’ll get to see him in orange and blue. But the possibility of what could have been makes for an interesting storyline as the draft approaches.
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