The idea that the New York Giants might pick Travis Hunter over a traditional QB1 in the 2024 NFL Draft is a fascinating proposition, one that would challenge conventional wisdom. Travis Hunter is a transcendent talent—perhaps the most unique player in the draft class—who offers an intriguing blend of skills that make him an almost impossible player to categorize. However, selecting him over a quarterback, particularly in a year when the Giants are in dire need of long-term stability at the QB position, raises several important questions about what constitutes a “franchise player” in the modern NFL.
The Case for Travis Hunter
Hunter is a true two-way player—a rare breed who can excel both as a wide receiver and a cornerback. His athleticism, intelligence, and ball skills are off the charts, and he dominated in both roles during his time at Jackson State and now at Colorado. Standing at 6’1″ and weighing around 165-170 pounds, Hunter has the physical tools to cover top receivers and make spectacular catches as a wideout. His blend of speed, agility, and ball-hawking instincts have drawn comparisons to some of the best in the game, including Deion Sanders, the man who has mentored him.
The Giants, a team with a rich history of defensive players, might see a unique opportunity in Hunter. If you look at modern NFL teams that thrive, many have elite players who can change the game on both sides of the ball. Hunter has that potential. His ability to be a shutdown corner on one side of the field, while also being a mismatch nightmare as a receiver, offers a level of versatility that few other players in this draft can match.
In addition, Hunter’s high football IQ and leadership qualities stand out. He plays with a passion and energy that can invigorate a locker room, something the Giants could desperately use after years of struggling to develop a true identity. His competitive fire and work ethic could be the building blocks for the next phase of the franchise, even if he’s not a quarterback.
The Need for a QB1
On the other hand, the New York Giants have been in search of a long-term solution at quarterback for years. Daniel Jones, despite his improvements over the past seasons, has not demonstrated the kind of elite play necessary to lift the franchise into true Super Bowl contention. The Giants’ struggles to draft and develop quarterbacks over the past decade make selecting a QB1 in 2024 a necessity.
This draft class is expected to offer several high-caliber quarterback prospects, including Caleb Williams from USC and Drake Maye from North Carolina, both of whom have shown flashes of brilliance. The Giants, with a top pick, could be in position to select one of these quarterbacks, either as a potential starter for the future or as a high-upside developmental prospect. In a league where the quarterback is king, teams cannot afford to gamble with mediocrity at the most important position.
Selecting a quarterback would allow the Giants to finally address their long-term quarterback need. While Hunter’s dynamic skill set is enticing, having an elite QB could be the faster path to success, given the importance of the position in today’s NFL. A franchise quarterback has the ability to elevate an entire roster, especially with the Giants’ current defensive foundation, led by players like Dexter Lawrence and Kayvon Thibodeaux.
Can You Afford to Skip QB1?
The dilemma facing the Giants is balancing immediate talent with long-term stability. Hunter is an extraordinary player, but his potential cannot fully be realized unless there is a stable and competent quarterback throwing him the ball (or getting him the ball as a cornerback). In today’s NFL, teams need elite quarterbacks to compete for championships, and while Hunter could be a generational talent, the Giants are currently better positioned to build a sustainable future around a young quarterback.
Ultimately, selecting Hunter over a QB1 would be a bold, risky decision for the Giants. If they believe Hunter’s two-way potential could reshape the team’s future and his playmaking ability can compensate for a lack of a franchise quarterback, they might take the leap. But in a league where quarterbacks dominate, it’s hard to see the Giants passing on the opportunity to draft their next franchise signal-caller.
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