There’s been a bit of a random negative shift in feelings towards Travis Hunter in recent weeks. Many still consider him an elite prospect, but we saw his draft stock fall to its lowest since the end of the college football season, with one notable mock draft having him going as low as 7th overall to the New York Jets.
Then came the Colorado Pro Day, where he skipped most drills and only ran routes and caught passes for Shedeur Sanders. Not everyone agreed with his decision. In fact, some analysts went so far as to critique his route-running. Former All-Pro wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. was one of those, as he pointed out something specific in his route-running that he believes will lead to him having to give up his two-position abilities at the next level.
They were stunning! Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter have one final workout before the NFL Draft
Does Travis Hunter need more improvement at wide receiver than expected?
Smith was at Hunter’s Pro Day in person, covering it for Underdog. Speaking directly after Hunter runs a route, Smith points out the receiver putting his hands back instead of keeping them moving, which indicates he’s about to break down his route.
Smith then uses that as an example for why Hunter will need to play one position “primarily”, in order to “master his craft” at either wide receiver or cornerback.
While many other skeptical analysts have mostly wondered how Hunter’s body would hold up playing both positions in the NFL, Smith is more concerned about him reaching an elite level at either position due to the time it takes to improve certain things about either of them.
