Deciding which side of the ball Travis Hunter will play in the NFL is like trying to pick a favorite MCU movie—you’re probably going to argue with someone no matter what.
The New York Giants have done their homework on the two-way Colorado superstar, sending Brian Daboll and what felt like the entire scouting department to Boulder for the school's Pro Day. And with the No. 3 pick in their back pocket, they’re firmly in play for the draft’s most unique prospect.
That’s especially true after New York addressed its quarterback need (at least temporarily) with Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston. Now, they’re free to take the best player available. And by most accounts, Hunter is that guy. He's generational. He’s a legitimate CB1 candidate with WR1 upside, and oh yeah, he just pulled off one of the most ridiculous two-way seasons in college football history while playing more snaps than anyone else in the country.
So the G-Men have a choice. And as Moe Moton of Bleacher Report suggested this week—they just might let Deonte Banks make it for them.
Deonte Banks has a lot of say over what position Travis Hunter will play
If you’ve been paying attention, this shouldn’t come as a shock. Banks, the Giants’ 2023 first-round pick, was benched multiple times last season for effort—or more accurately, the lack of it. Missed tackles, lazy pursuit, getting burned in key spots… it all added up. Which is exactly why Moton believes his primary position for New York would be at cornerback.
Now, with Paulson Adebo signed to a three-year deal and Banks officially on thin ice, adding Hunter as a cornerback isn’t just about getting value. It’s about getting stability. The Giants don’t have time to wait around and hope Banks figures it out.
Hunter, meanwhile, shut down Power Five receivers while moonlighting as Colorado’s top offensive weapon. His 38.7 passer rating allowed ranked first among all Power 5 corners with 400+ coverage snaps. He’s twitchy, smart, competitive, and immediately elevates New York’s defensive ceiling. Daboll even admitted they’re evaluating him at both spots—but if Banks keeps sliding, that WR moonlighting might be all it is.
That said, Hunter’s offensive production isn’t something to ignore. He racked up 1,258 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns last season while still playing elite-level defense. If the Giants want to get creative, there’s nothing stopping them from using Hunter on both sides of the ball.
Give him a handful of offensive snaps each week, design a few gadget plays, and let him stress defenses in more ways than one. With Malik Nabers commanding all the attention, Hunter could feast in space as a complementary weapon—and Big Blue would essentially get two first-rounders with one pick.
Drafting Hunter as a corner doesn’t mean Banks is done in New York… but it absolutely makes this a make-or-break year. If NY takes Hunter and he locks down the CB2 role, Banks could be headed straight to the trade block ASAP. If Travis Hunter is in blue next season, Banks better figure it out fast. Because the margin for error just vanished.