Travis Hunter consistently engages in dual roles on the field with the Jacksonville Jaguars as part of his regular duties.
In the 2025 NFL season, the Jacksonville Jaguars are set to showcase the versatility of rookie Travis Hunter as both a wide receiver and cornerback. The Jaguars traded valuable draft picks to move up three spots and select Hunter, and they envision his unique skill set making a significant impact on both sides of the ball.
Dual-role in preseason
Hunter will make his preseason debut against the Pittsburgh Steelers, reflecting the Jaguars' intention to use him heavily on both sides of the ball. This ambitious approach is evident in the preseason game, where he is expected to play both wide receiver and cornerback.
Depth chart roles
The Jaguars list Hunter as a starting wide receiver and second-string cornerback, indicating their plans to give him a major offensive role while also playing him in a significant defensive capacity.
Snap management
To balance Hunter's snaps, the Jaguars have him practicing offense and defense on separate days, with some mixed sessions and special teams involvement. Early defensive snaps will focus on high-leverage or third-down situations, with a greater emphasis on offense.
Team and teammate confidence
Quarterback Trevor Lawrence has publicly supported Hunter’s two-way role but personally hopes he will play more on offense. The coaching staff and teammates trust Hunter's work ethic and adaptability, which facilitates this ambitious approach.
Regular season outlook
The Jaguars' coaching staff, led by Liam Coen, is installing new offensive and defensive systems and sees Hunter as a critical part of both. They aim to tap into his ability to impact the game in multiple phases, including potentially special teams, while monitoring his conditioning and role.
In summary, the Jacksonville Jaguars are set to feature Travis Hunter significantly as both a wide receiver and cornerback, starting in the preseason and continuing through the regular season. The team is carefully managing his workload to maximize his impact while limiting fatigue, making him one of the rare modern NFL two-way players. The Jaguars are embracing his versatility as a key strategic asset in their quest for success in the 2025 season.
Notes:
- Travis Hunter practices playing both offense and defense as part of his regular routine with the Jaguars.
- Travis Hunter played more snaps (1,461) than anyone else in college football in 2024.
- Coach Doug Pederson will have a better idea about Travis Hunter's playing time in the preseason by Wednesday.
- Quarterback Trevor Lawrence commented on seeing Travis Hunter switch between offense and defense, stating it was something he had never seen before.
Versatility on the fieldTravis Hunter demonstrates his versatility during practices as he consistently rotates between playing both offense and defense.
Coaching strategies for draft pickThe coaching staff, led by Liam Coen, acknowledges Hunter's college football record of playing more snaps than any other player and is devising strategies to limit his potential fatigue while maximizing his impact in multiple positions.
Role expansion in American footballThe Jaguars' use of Travis Hunter as a two-way player represents a significant shift in the traditional roles of wide receivers and cornerbacks, drawing attention to the evolution of American football in the 2025 season.
