Travis Hunter Shines During OTAs as Jaguars Navigate Two-Way Strategy

Travis Hunter Shines During OTAs as Jaguars Navigate Two-Way Strategy

The Jacksonville Jaguars are showcasing the remarkable versatility of rookie Travis Hunter, who has been alternating between wide receiver and cornerback during organized team activities (OTAs). This strategic use of Hunter is designed to maximize his unique talents, though it has sparked interest from both offensive and defensive coaching staff.

Currently, Hunter is primarily working on the offensive side, but Jaguars head coach Liam Coen has noted that secondary coach Ron Milus has expressed a desire to see Hunter in the defensive lineup more frequently. "Can we have him more?" Milus reportedly asked Coen after a practice session.

Hunter has demonstrated an impressive capability to adapt to his dual responsibilities. Coach Coen remarked on how at home Hunter seems in the secondary, stating, "You can definitely see how natural it is for him. Still learning, still growing, still trying to learn the calls as much as possible. But when you see him just in the actual team settings, he doesn’t look out of place by any means." This rapid acclimatization suggests a promising future, as Hunter has been gathering accolades for both his receiving prowess and defensive skills.

As the second overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, moved up to be selected by Jacksonville after a trade with the Cleveland Browns, Hunter's pedigree as a former Heisman Trophy winner is a major factor in the expectations surrounding him. At Colorado, he amassed an impressive 1,258 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns, while also contributing defensively with four interceptions and 35 tackles last season.

Given the Jaguars' disappointing 4-13 record in 2024, Hunter represents a potential pivotal force for a team undergoing significant changes. With a new general manager, James Gladstone, and a new head coach, Liam Coen, the focus is on revamping the team to improve performance this coming season. Gladstone's aggressive move to trade up for Hunter highlights the front office's commitment to rebuilding around young, impactful players.

Notably, Hunter's journey is further complicated by his current unsigned status as a top-10 draft pick, which is somewhat unusual at this point in the offseason. However, the Jaguars are expected to finalize his contract soon.

With minicamp scheduled to begin on June 10th, Jaguars fans are eager to see how Hunter will solidify his role on both sides of the ball. His ability to thrive under the spotlight and expectation will be watched closely as the team anticipates a stronger performance in the upcoming NFL season.

Moreover, in an impressive showing at OTAs, a recent interaction between Hunter and wide receiver Darius Lassiter showcased his defensive acumen. During a drill, Hunter's tight coverage forced a key tip on a pass, which he managed to secure, resulting in a notable interception. This play further cements Hunter's claim as a versatile threat with the ability to change the game's dynamics on either side of the ball.

As anticipation builds, it will be interesting to observe whether Hunter can maintain this level of performance while embracing the complexities of playing both receiver and cornerback, which is a daunting task in the NFL.