Cleveland Browns Coach Sees Potential in Travis Hunter as a Two-Way Player

Top NFL Draft prospect Travis Hunter has made his career goal unmistakable. He aims to play for a team that will maximize his skills on both offense and defense. While some NFL coaches exhibit skepticism regarding the viability of a two-way player at the professional level, Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski holds a different view.

During a media session on Wednesday, Stefanski shared insights from his recent conversation with Hunter, stating that he believes the former Colorado standout is fully capable of excelling in both roles.

“In our discussion, I emphasized that time is limited, and if you want to succeed, you will need to invest extra hours with different coaches,” Stefanski explained. He then recounted Hunter’s response, revealing, “He described himself as a fisherman who rises at 5 in the morning. For him, maximizing his day isn’t a challenge.”

Stefanski further endorsed Hunter’s dual capabilities, saying, “He is someone notably equipped to manage responsibilities on both sides of the ball.”

Hunter’s Draft Projections and Preferences

As the NFL Draft approaches, analysts project that the Browns may select Hunter with the No. 2 overall pick. This possibility aligns with Stefanski’s endorsement and Hunter’s ambitions. Recently, Hunter reiterated his commitment to playing multiple positions, firmly stating he would prefer to leave football altogether than to limit himself to just one role.

“If forced to play only one position, my answer would be to walk away from football,” Hunter told CBS Sports. He expressed a deep passion for the game, adding, “I have been involved in football my entire life, and I thrive when playing on both sides of the field. I believe I have the potential to excel in every position on the field, making the game more enjoyable for me.”

Challenges of Playing Both Offense and Defense

Some NFL coaches have challenged the feasibility of such a dual role in a professional setting. For example, John Harbaugh, head coach of the Baltimore Ravens, recently stated, “It will be intriguing to observe how a team manages this transition. However, a player may struggle to be fully proficient in both offense and defense, as there may not be sufficient hours in the day to master every detail.”

Harbaugh suggested a practical approach where a player could specialize on one side while participating in a select package on the other side. This method allows for some flexibility while still recognizing the anatomical limitations of mastering two distinct roles.

Hunter’s Impressive Performance Statistics

Last season, Hunter demonstrated his exceptional talent by participating in 713 offensive snaps and 748 defensive snaps while maintaining a remarkable level of productivity. On offense, he accumulated 96 receptions for 1,258 yards and achieved 15 touchdowns. On defense, he proved equally formidable, recording 35 tackles, four interceptions, 11 passes defended, and one forced fumble.

His performance reflects both his endurance and skill, supporting the argument for his capability as a two-way player. The numbers speak for themselves, presenting a compelling case to any NFL team considering his dual-role potential.

Looking Towards the Future

As the NFL draft draws near, the spotlight will remain on Hunter and his aspirations to be a two-way player. With coaches showing varied opinions on the subject, each team’s strategy will significantly influence his career trajectory. Whether the Browns or another franchise elects to harness Hunter’s vast potential, his commitment to playing both sides will undoubtedly shape the narrative moving forward.

For now, fans and analysts alike will eagerly anticipate where Hunter lands and how he might reshape traditional expectations for dual-role athletes in the NFL.