The Jacksonville Jaguars knew Travis Hunter was a unique young man that doesn’t subscribe to limits, and that's why they traded up to the No. 2 pick to draft him. That’s also why there’s no goal or prediction that can be thrown Hunter’s way that he doesn’t think is attainable— no matter how bold they are.
Just like footballs, a lot of those ridiculous predictions are coming Hunter’s way now. Everyone is trying their best to map out what the versatile athlete’s first NFL season will look like. ESPN’s experts recently joined the party, making one bold prediction on the 2025 rookie class. Quite a few predictions were made about Hunter, but one stood out in particular.
National reporter Dan Graziano predicted that the second-overall pick will finish top three in voting for both Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year.
"Jaguars two-way star Travis Hunter will finish in the top three of voting for Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year. I want to say he'll win both, but that seems like a long shot even for him. I just love Hunter's abilities and want to get him into my predictions in some way."
Dan Graziano (ESPN)
Travis Hunter predicted to be a finalist for Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year
If you ask Hunter, he’ll say that’s not bold enough, because he likely believes he can win both of the awards. Whether he actually does or not may ultimately come down to opportunity, not his ability. The Jaguars are committed to playing him on both sides of the ball, but no one knows what that’s going to look like yet.
While Hunter has already been learning both playbooks, he’s been on the offensive side of the ball during rookie minicamp. However, the team has said he’ll start to work in on the defensive side once the veterans return for OTAs. It’ll be a delicate balance for Jacksonville to figure out, but Hunter’s unique ability will surely provide a solution.
He’ll go as far as the team allows him to, and the team should let him go as afar as his ability allows. With what Hunter showcased at the college level, his ability could lead him to bringing two Rookie of the Year awards to Jacksonville.
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