Mel Kiper Jr. Breaks Down Travis Hunter's NFL Draft Dilemma

What to Consider

Travis Hunter is widely considered to be one of the top prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft. The 6'1", 200-pound cornerback has a rare combination of size, speed, and athleticism. He is also a very physical player who is not afraid to come up and make tackles. However, Hunter's NFL Draft stock has taken a bit of a hit in recent months. He was not as dominant in his sophomore season at Jackson State as he was in his freshman year. He also had some off-field issues, including an arrest for marijuana possession. As a result, some NFL teams are now questioning whether Hunter is worth a top-10 pick. Kiper believes that Hunter is still a first-round talent, but he acknowledges that there are some concerns about his maturity and consistency.

NFL Draft Projection

Kiper currently projects Hunter to be drafted 12th overall by the Houston Texans. The Texans are in need of a cornerback, and Hunter would be a great fit for their defense. He has the size and athleticism to play outside, but he is also physical enough to play in the slot. However, it is important to note that the NFL Draft is a fluid process. Hunter's draft stock could change significantly between now and April. If he has a strong performance at the NFL Combine and at his pro day, he could move up into the top 10. Conversely, if he has a poor performance, he could fall out of the first round altogether.

Conclusion

Travis Hunter is a talented cornerback with the potential to be a star in the NFL. However, he has some off-field concerns that could affect his draft stock. It will be interesting to see how he performs at the NFL Combine and at his pro day. His performance at those events could determine whether he is drafted in the top 10 or falls out of the first round altogether.