Shedeur Sanders, Travis Hunter, Ward, Carter Among 2025 NFL Scouting Combine Invites

The NFL handed out its invitations to the 2025 Scouting Combine, with a total of 329 players offered the opportunity to work out in Indianapolis.

As expected, all of the top prospects were included in that group. Colorado two-way standout Travis Hunter, Buffs quarterback Shedeur Sanders, Miami quarterback Cam Ward, Penn State edge-rusher Abdul Carter and Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan are among the headliners.

Perhaps the most interesting aspect from Thursday's announcement is that Hunter is listed solely as a cornerback.

Both Hunter and his head coach, Deion Sanders, have been steadfast in their belief he can play offense and defense in the NFL. However, there simply isn't a modern parallel for a player who splits his time relatively equally between the two.

The physical demands of the sport are too much to expect anybody to shoulder that kind of burden. There's the added challenge of understanding every facet of your team's offensive and defensive scheme simultaneously.

At some point, Hunter will likely need to pick wide receiver or cornerback as his primary position, and it looks as though the latter is the early favorite.

Bleacher Report NFL scouts Dame Parson and Cory Giddings examined the question in December and came to the conclusion the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner has more potential on defense.

"Hunter has a higher upside as a cornerback due to his exceptional athleticism and tools to match up with the top receivers at the next level," Giddings said. "His rare combination of size, speed, and agility allows him to cover a wide range of threats, while his ball-hawking instincts make him a game-changer.

"Few cornerbacks possess the natural ability to track and play the ball in the air like Hunter, and this skill set will set him apart at the NFL level. His potential to disrupt offenses and create turnovers will make him a standout player and a true game-changer in the secondary."

Hunter may choose not to work out at the Scouting Combine. He's widely considered to be the best player available, sitting first overall on B/R's 2025 big board, so there isn't a lot for him to gain in Indianapolis.

His interviews with NFL teams could at least provide some insight into what he envisions for his on-field role at the next level.