Throughout his collegiate career, people consistently tried to put Travis Hunter in a box. However, the generational talent routinely kicked walls down, determined to reach his goals that critics swore were impossible. The main goal was being a full-time player on both sides of the ball. When Hunter transferred from Jackson State to Colorado, the masses were quick to argue he wouldn’t be able to dominate at receiver and cornerback at the highest level of college football.
That's exactly what Hunter did in his first season at Colorado, then he did it again and even better in 2024, winning the Heisman trophy. Now, the cycle has started over. Hunter has entered the NFL with the same plan of dominating on both sides of the ball, and the critics have returned. In college, Hunter was able to silence critics because he had a head coach in Deion Sanders who believed in his bold vision. Now, Hunter has a general manager and head coach in James Gladstone and Liam Coen who are committed to helping the young talent maximize his abilities.
However, Gladstone and company are now on the receiving end of criticism for their belief in Hunter and his vision. In a recent Bleacher Report piece, Kristopher Knox named the five riskiest moves of the 2025 offseason. Jacksonville trading up for Hunter was listed at No. 5.
Jaguars trading up for Travis Hunter ranked as one of the riskiest moves of the offseason
Knox acknowledges that Hunter could ultimately become everything he’s striving to be, but points out multiple issues that could stem from playing on both sides of the ball. With the new regime in Jacksonville announcing themselves with the trade for Hunter, Knox argues they could also be on their way out the door if Hunter doesn’t pan out.
"Yes, there's a chance that Hunter will fill starting roles on offense and defense, become a Pro Bowl talent at one position and do it all on a single rookie salary... However, playing two positions will potentially leave Hunter open to an increased risk of injury. While he's used to doing it, the NFL is faster and more physical than college, and it features a longer season… Trying to play two positions could also potentially prevent Hunter from ever being great at one."
Kristopher Knox (Bleacher Report)
Those are the typical concerns people voice about Hunter playing both ways. The thing Knox said that was really wild is that the second-overall pick could end up being just a good starter on both sides of the ball, but that won’t justify the trade. Having a good receiver and good corner, two of the most important positions, in one player is absolutely more than ideal, and worth the trade package Jacksonville sent to the Cleveland Browns.
Even though that would be a good outcome, Hunter’s goals are clearly higher; he wants to be great at both positions. That being unprecedented isn’t enough of a reason to think Hunter can’t do it. He has consistently proven doubters wrong, and he’s on his way to doing it again.
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