Travis Hunter’s versatility as both a cornerback and wide receiver has made him one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. However, the New York Giants have a clear vision for how they’d utilize the Colorado star at the next level.
According to Paul Schwartz of the New York Post, the Giants view Hunter primarily as a cornerback. While he excelled on both sides of the ball in college, his exceptional ball skills in coverage make him a top-tier defensive prospect. Schwartz noted that while Hunter could occasionally be used on offense for special or gadget plays, his main role would be in the secondary.
One challenge for any team drafting Hunter is determining how to maximize his talents while managing his workload. At just 183 pounds, he’ll need to add muscle to withstand the physical demands of the NFL. Playing both offense and defense full-time isn’t realistic due to the risk of injury and the difficulty of preparing for two positions at the professional level.
With the third overall pick, the Giants will have a tough decision to make, but if they select Hunter, they appear set on developing him as a shutdown corner.
The fact that the Giants already have a defined plan for Travis Hunter is significant, especially given their ongoing struggles at cornerback. With 2023 first-round pick Deonte Banks still finding his footing, adding Hunter would address a major weakness in the secondary.
Selecting Hunter, arguably the most dynamic athlete in the 2025 draft class, would provide the Giants with a true shutdown presence in coverage. Beyond his defensive impact, his playmaking ability could also serve as a valuable asset on offense, helping to divert attention from rising star Malik Nabers. Strengthening both the defense and the supporting cast for the Giants’ future quarterback makes Hunter an enticing option with the third overall pick.
Travis Hunter Plan Makes Sense for Giants
Using a top-three pick on Hunter after signing a veteran quarterback in free agency isn’t a new concept for the Giants, but it’s a logical one. His versatility and elite skill set would provide immediate upgrades across multiple areas of the roster.
Defensively, the 21-year-old would give the Giants exactly what they’ve been lacking—a true playmaker in the secondary. Much like Malik Nabers brought star power to the offense, Hunter has the talent to be the defensive centerpiece from day one. His exceptional coverage instincts, ball skills, and body control, as noted by ESPN’s Matt Bowen, make him a game-changing addition to Big Blue’s defense.
Hunter had the privilege of learning from one of the best in the game—Colorado head coach and NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders. A two-time Super Bowl champion and arguably the greatest athlete ever to play cornerback, Sanders instilled in Hunter many of the same traits that made him elite. Hunter’s timing, acceleration, and agility mirror those of his legendary mentor, making him a rare talent poised to make an immediate impact at the next level.
NFL Network’s Kendell Hollowell has also highlighted Hunter’s similarities to Sanders, noting his exceptional athleticism, instincts, and ability to impact the game on both sides of the ball. With elite timing, acceleration, and agility reminiscent of his Hall of Fame mentor, Hunter has the potential to be a true shutdown corner in the NFL.
By adding Hunter to the lineup, the Giants could force more targets toward Banks, testing his ability to step up. It might also signal that Banks is expendable, especially with the presence of Hunter and promising 2024 draft pick Andru Phillips.
Beyond strengthening the secondary, drafting Hunter would also give the Giants more flexibility to improve their offense—starting with the quarterback position.
Giants Need a Flexible Draft Approach
The Giants need a flexible draft plan, and Travis Hunter embodies that flexibility. While his primary role would be at cornerback, his ability to contribute as a receiver—evidenced by his 96 receptions and 15 touchdowns at Colorado—adds another dynamic element.
With teams like the Titans and Browns also desperate for quarterbacks, the Giants may not be in position to draft one of the top passers. That makes selecting Hunter even more appealing, as he would immediately bolster the defense while offering creative offensive possibilities. Plays like his catch-and-run touchdown against Texas Tech provide a glimpse into how he could be used in gadget plays and red-zone packages as a rookie.
The idea may be simple, but getting the ball into Hunter’s hands in any way possible is undeniably valuable. As a prolific field-stretcher capable of changing the game in multiple ways, his presence would add a dynamic element to the offense.
Those attributes make Hunter a strong candidate for the Giants to stay at No. 3 and make him their pick. Pairing him with standout wideout Malik Nabers and dual-threat running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. would instantly make the Giants’ offense much more exciting and worth watching again.
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