When the Jaguars traded up for the rights to draft Travis Hunter, first-year general manager James Gladstone knew they weren’t just adding another wideout or defensive back -- they were adding a true football unicorn. The type of player that truly only comes around once in a generation.
Few, if any, prospects in NFL history have offered the two-way skill set Hunter provides, and with more defensive snaps expected heading into Week 2, Jacksonville is ready to unleash him in a way that could change the complexion of both their secondary and passing attack.
Just how special could Travis Hunter with a full workload on either side of the ball?
The question now isn’t whether Hunter belongs on either side -- it’s how high his ceiling truly is.
Hunter’s path to this point has been unlike any rookie in football.
The 2024 Heisman winner at Colorado, he split time seamlessly between wide receiver and defensive back, not just dabbling in each but excelling at both with historic production levels.
He flashed elite ball skills, fluid movement, and lockdown coverage ability as a corner, while on offense he showed himself to be a natural playmaker with speed and precise body control. His versatility didn’t just make highlight reels -- it forced scouts and coaches to rethink what a “position” even means for a player of his caliber.
Now, just one week into his professional career, the Jaguars appear ready to test that versatility in live action. In Week 1, Hunter saw snaps on offense (42) and defense (6), but Jacksonville’s staff has made it clear that they want to expand his defensive responsibilities against Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and the Bengals in Week 2.
The ONLY player over the last 20 seasons with 5+ receptions and 5+ defensive snaps in a game
Travis Hunter pic.twitter.com/c3IGfPdh0k
— NFL on CBS ð (@NFLonCBS) September 7, 2025
That doesn’t mean his offensive usage will disappear -- it just means the Jaguars recognize how rare his potential impact can be in the secondary, and now is the time to take the training wheels off.
For Jacksonville, the timing couldn’t be better. With matchups against physical receivers looming, the Jaguars need depth and dynamism on the back end. Hunter provides both.
His natural instincts in coverage allow him to anticipate routes, while his recovery speed and sensational ball skills make him a constant turnover threat. More importantly, he brings a level of confidence and competitive edge that isn’t often seen in rookies. He doesn’t just cover -- he hunts the football.
At the same time, limiting Hunter to defense alone feels like wasting half of what makes him so special. His offensive ceiling remains just as tantalizing. Few receivers possess his combination of quickness, vertical ability, and body control.
He’s a nightmare for defensive coordinators due to his ability to he can win in so many ways: over the top, in contested catch situations, underneath, or after the catch.
That’s where the intrigue lies for Jacksonville and fans alike. What’s the best way to maximize him? Should the Jaguars lean into his ability to be a shutdown corner and occasional offensive gadget? Or do they commit to him being a dynamic offensive weapon who can moonlight on defense? While Week 1 was the latter, the truth is, there may not be a definitive answer yet, and that’s okay.
The upside, though, is almost limitless. On defense, he has the traits to become a perennial Pro Bowl corner with the ability to erase top wideouts. On offense, he has the natural talent to be one of the league’s most dangerous pass-catchers. And if Jacksonville finds the right balance, Hunter could carve out an unprecedented role in modern football -- a legitimate two-way star who impacts games in ways opponents simply can’t prepare for.
Week 2 won’t define Hunter’s career, but it could provide a clearer glimpse of how the Jaguars envision deploying their most unique weapon. Whether it’s locking down receivers on defense or creating explosive plays on offense, Hunter is the type of player who forces everyone watching to imagine new possibilities. It's what makes him so exciting -- and why his ceiling, on either side of the ball, remains sky-high.
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