Travis Hunter showcases his skills in a dual-role debut for the Jacksonville Jaguars in the NFL
In the first preseason game of the 2025 season, the Jacksonville Jaguars showcased their latest draft pick, Travis Hunter, who demonstrated his rare two-way ability against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Hunter, the No. 2 overall pick in the draft, played a total of 18 snaps – 10 on offense and 8 on defense. His offensive performance was particularly noteworthy, as he started at wide receiver on the opening drive and caught two passes for 9 yards on three targets.
One of his receptions, a 7-yard screen move, showcased his route running ability and elusiveness. However, the play was nullified by a penalty. Despite this setback, Hunter's quickness and speed made him a tough cover for NFL corners.
Defensively, Hunter appeared primarily as a cornerback over 8 snaps. While his coverage was generally viewed as starting-caliber, he did miss one tackle on a run play by a rookie running back.
The Jaguars' coaching staff, led by Liam Coen, deployed Hunter in a hybrid role, keeping him fresh while involving him in the game. This strategy earned Hunter a B+ grade for his solid performance in his debut.
Looking ahead, Hunter's dual-threat capability as a wide receiver and cornerback presents a versatile weapon for the Jaguars. However, managing his snap count and development on both fronts will be crucial. His athleticism and quickness bode well for a dynamic role, but defensive fundamentals like tackling will need polish.
As the 2025 regular season approaches, how Jacksonville balances Hunter's offensive versus defensive snaps will be a key storyline. One thing is certain: Travis Hunter will be one of Trevor Lawrence's top targets this fall, alongside Brian Thomas Jr. on the outside.
The debut of Travis Hunter was closely watched by the Jacksonville staff, who are eager to leverage his unique skill set in the upcoming season. With his impressive performance in the preseason opener, fans can expect to see more of this versatile player in the coming months.
Travis Hunter's impressive preseason debut, where he showcased his versatility as a two-way player in American football, has set the stage for the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2025 regular season. As both a wide receiver and cornerback, Hunter's dual-threat ability will make him one of Trevor Lawrence's key targets in NFL games, also showcasing his potential influence on the National Football League (NFL) and the game of American football.
