Point Counterpoint: If you were starting an NFL franchise, who would you take in this year’s draft?

Graham Wilker, Campus Correspondent: Travis Hunter

Travis Hunter is the best player in this year’s draft, and the number one non-quarterback I’d start my expansion franchise with. But what exactly would this new NFL squad get with Hunter? His marquee attribute is his two-way ability, but surely he won’t be able to play both wide receiver and cornerback at his college level at the NFL level. Think about it — covering Tyreek Hill and after a kickoff, he needs to win a one–on–one against Jalen Ramsey? Not happening. In this case, the doubters may actually be correct. It’s unlikely he’ll have the bandwidth to play both sides of the ball at a Pro Bowl level. The good news for teams is that he’ll likely have the opportunity to play on one side of the ball at a Pro Bowl level, something most of the league can’t say. Hunter was a ridiculous college player. Let’s start with his primary position, cornerback. Already playing both sides of the ball, Hunter is versatile, playing primarily on the outside but also seeing healthy reps from the slot and in the box. That versatility is key: if a team (like the Patriots?) selects him to play wide receiver, he’ll still have the opportunity to compete as a defensive back in special packages. Hunter was targeted just 41 times on 428 coverage snaps, allowed just 23 catches. He allowed just one touchdown, and a 39.9 passer rating when targeted. For context, a QB who throws 0/10 would record a passer rating of 39.58, meaning on a larger scale, he comes as advertised: a lockdown corner. Star wideouts suddenly saw a drop-off in production when they faced Colorado. Looking at opposing squads’ top options, Arizona star Tetairoa McMillan recorded five catches for 38 yards, Josh Cameron managed just a single catch, and BYU top option Chase Roberts had a single grab for 11 yards in their bowl game against the Buffaloes. Offensively, Hunter is almost as big a star. He recorded eight (!) games with 100+ yards, including the first four games of the season and against BYU in their bowl game. His 15 touchdowns ranked him joint second in the nation alongside Ohio State freshman Jeremiah Smith. He ranked joint fourth in receptions and joint second among wide receivers with 96 grabs on the year, while his receiving yards, which eclipsed 1,200, slotted him in fifth. 

Now, the side of the ball that Hunter will play will largely depend on the team’s needs. In my eyes, he’s a better cornerback than receiver, so I think he should spend more time on defense. Let’s face it though: the fact that a wide receiver that ranked top five in the nation in all three major categories is also being considered as the best cornerback is nothing short of ridiculous. Whoever selects him will have two selections: Travis Hunter, WR out of Colorado, and Travis Hunter, CB out of Colorado. We’ve never seen play and athleticism to this level in the NFL and whoever passes on Hunter will be sorry they did so when he gets his opportunity. There’s no doubt Abdul Carter is a star, but how many edge rushers have been selected high and not panned out? Tyree Wilson in 2023, Kayvan Thibodeaux, Chase Young in 2020, Clelin Ferrell in 2019… none have lived up to the expectations that come with being top picks. The same can’t be said for Hunter’s archetype. Why? Because there’s never been a player before Hunter. 

Connor Sargeant, Sports Editor: Abdul Carter

When I am looking to start an NFL franchise, I am looking for the most talented player at their position, no questions asked. I want someone who will make an immediate impact and will grow into a generational talent on their side of the ball. For as talented as, CB/WR, Travis Hunter is, Abdul Carter is the most talented player in this year’s draft, and it isn’t particularly close. 

The 21-year-old linebacker was a three-year starter at Penn State and, in that time, he has transformed into the best defender in the country. Carter had an excellent 2024 campaign. In 16 games, he posted career highs in sacks, 12.0; tackles, 43; and tackles for loss, 24. Carter’s 24 TFLs not only led the Big 10, but were the best mark in all of FBS, which is a significant reason why he was voted as a unanimous All-American. Not only this, but Carter had an excellent combine. Despite standing at 6-foot-3, 250 pounds, the edge rusher ran an absurd 4.48 40-yard dash, which is absurd for someone with his build. While some may not think this 40-yard dash time matters for someone at his position, it does. Carter’s time highlights his ability to explode off the edge and get ahead of an offensive tackle who may not be able to keep up with him every time.  

While this won’t show up in the stats sheet, Carter also demonstrated his heart and ability on a different level last season. Despite suffering from a shoulder injury during the College Football Playoffs, Carter showed tremendous heart and refused to sit out the biggest games of his college career. 

Even if a runner finds a gap and takes off running, Carter’s excellent speed, stamina and heart give him the ability to chase down these plays, with a relatively high success rate. Most players in his position don’t ever dream of chasing down these plays. 

Despite Carter’s success as a player at Penn State, he has gotten into trouble during his time as a Nittany Lion. A year ago, Carter was charged with misdemeanor assault for an altercation with another driver. However, the edge rusher did complete a rehabilitation program and kept himself clean this past season which gives me confidence in drafting the 21-year-old to start my franchise.