Will the Jaguars or Their Opponents Determine Where Travis Hunter Plays?

National Football League: Will the Jaguars or Their Opponents Determine Where Travis Hunter Plays?

Updated Jul. 17, 2025, 9:54 p.m. ET

After trading four picks to secure the rights to select Travis Hunter as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars are entering a strategic battle with their rivals to maximize the potential of this two-way college star. The Hunter experiment is officially underway, with the Jaguars devising a plan for him to excel as both a cornerback and a receiver. The benefits of this dual role are substantial, from implications on the salary cap to managing the game-day roster and the undeniable fact that Hunter was sensational in college at both positions.

Travis Hunter was awarded the 2024 Heisman Trophy for his outstanding two-way performance at Colorado. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

However, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce introduced a straightforward strategy for teams looking to exploit Hunter while he is on defense taya365 original. At first glance, this approach might seem simple enough to jeopardize the entire experiment. Yet a deeper inspection reveals added complexities.

“I don’t know how they’re going to divvy up the snaps,” Kelce remarked on the “Bussin’ With The Boys” podcast earlier this month. “Teams will aim to make his day difficult. If he’s playing corner, they’ll likely send deep balls at him consistently. They will have wide receivers sprinting past him all day, simply to wear him out. Why wouldn’t you target him that way?” This tactic is typical for teams facing a premier cornerback. In this case, the opposing team would effectively be tiring out two Jaguars players simultaneously: a starting cornerback and starting wide receiver. It’s clear that Hunter’s primary role will be as a wide receiver, as observed during OTAs (Organized Team Activities) and minicamp.

Hunter has been honing his skills extensively with Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence in anticipation of his NFL debut. (Photo by Logan Bowles/Getty Images)

In theory, Kelce’s suggestion makes perfect sense, but it assumes that Hunter will maintain a consistent role from week to week, with definitive assignments that would keep him on the field while Jaguars opponents can afford to run decoy routes. These assumptions might not hold up.

Bucky Brooks, FOX Sports NFL analyst and former NFL defensive back, commented, “How are the Jaguars designating his playing time, particularly on defense? That could undermine the strategy, especially if he’s just a designated third-down defender.” He explained, “He might be like a nickel or dime back, coming in during crucial situations to get the team off the field.” If Hunter plays approximately 80% of his snaps on offense and only participates on third and fourth downs on defense, teams won’t have the chance to exhaust him with decoy routes. Opponents will focus on converting critical situations rather than wearing out Hunter.

This is likely where Hunter’s journey in Jacksonville will begin, evolving as the season progresses. “There may be games against pass-heavy teams like the Minnesota Vikings, who boast elite receivers everywhere. One week you may need him more on defense, prompting a shift in how he is utilized on offense,” Brooks elaborated. “Conversely, if they face a run-heavy team, the Jaguars may not need him as much on defense, allowing him to play 100% on offense while being a situational player on defense.”

The Jaguars have the upper hand, as they can decide each week how to tailor their game plan based on projected usage to maximize Hunter’s impact on the team jili777 net ph.

If the Jaguars adjust Hunter’s roles, they might also modify their defensive strategy, potentially leaning more towards zone defense during games where Hunter plays a significant defensive role. This could limit the total yardage he covers in any given game, but it would require the Jaguars to adopt a dynamic and versatile approach. That will mean additional learning for their players, including Hunter. Thus, implementing such strategies may be easier said than done. However, various factors could deter opposing offenses from assuming they can simply tire Hunter out.

Interestingly, it may be Jaguars offensive coordinator Liam Coen—rather than opposing defensive coordinators—who tests Hunter’s endurance. Coen’s offense is known for its intricate motions and formations. He must consider that using motion adds more running distance for Hunter, and more formations equate to additional study for him. Ultimately, clear communication is crucial. In addition to all the analytics the Jaguars gather regarding Hunter’s conditioning and stamina, Coen and defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile can simply ask Hunter if he’s up for another series. Hunter is the type of player likely to always declare that he’s ready to play. “We must protect him from himself at times,” Cohen acknowledged during minicamp. However, the coaching staff can maintain an open dialogue to fine-tune Hunter’s playing time. This mirrors how two-way players are managed in high school and can be adapted for the NFL, with data and analytics offering guidance.

That said, the Jaguars won’t lose sight of their main priority: Hunter excels as a receiver. His contributions on defense are seen as a bonus. This was evident during minicamp.

“He’s significantly improved since joining us for spring practices,” said quarterback Trevor Lawrence regarding Hunter after minicamp in June. “He’s had a lot thrown at him. Being a high pick and playing both ways is challenging; I didn’t play both ways, so I can only imagine. I think he’s done a fantastic job, and this upcoming opportunity is huge for him.” Lawrence added, “I’m eager to spend time with him this summer. We plan on training together regularly to build timing, but also going through the playbook. lbc trace and track philippines I have no concerns about him. I’m excited to see him continue evolving. He’s an exceptional player on both sides of the ball. phspin 77”

During spring practices, Hunter, Lawrence, and Brian Thomas Jr. collaborated on offense. Occasionally, Hunter stepped up on defense, where he made impactful plays, including a remarkable diving interception while covering receiver Darius Lassiter. It currently looks promising.

Yet, all of these complexities might ultimately raise the question: Is it worth having Hunter take on both roles? For the team? And will Hunter remain motivated? His contract may not differ much on his second deal as a star at two positions. Given what Kelce mentioned and numerous other factors, the experiment might yield an unanticipated outcome: Hunter could be identified simply as a wide receiver. For now, the Jaguars are determined to maximize his potential after trading multiple first-round picks to acquire Hunter. Throughout the draft process, Hunter made it clear he did not want to join a team that wouldn’t allow him to play both ways on Sundays.

“He has an immense amount of talent, and he’s an incredibly intelligent individual,” Campanile shared during minicamp. “He picks things up quickly. He’s a pleasure to coach and be around. His position coaches truly enjoy training him. 90 jili com”

Can Hunter truly succeed as a two-way player in the NFL?