The Jacksonville Jaguars hit it out of the ballpark when they drafted Brian Thomas Jr. in 2024. However, they realized they needed to get another playmaker that could draw coverage away from him and spared no expense to get the best one available: Travis Hunter.
Thomas and Hunter give the Jaguars the best receiver duo they've had since Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns in 2015, especially if Trevor Lawrence gets back to form and plays like he did in 2022.
Sure, Hunter will get some targets that would otherwise have gone to Thomas, but instead of being upset about his arrival of the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner's arrival, he's thrilled to compete and play opposite him.
Following Day 10 of Organized Team Activities, Thomas met with the local media. He was asked about Hunter, and echoed what everyone thinks.
"It's been pretty good, pretty, pretty fine. He's a fine dude," Thomas Jr. said. "Super cool, super fun. I mean, he's just a fun guy to be around, a lot of energy, uh, super, super fun."
Later in the exchange, Thomas said that having the two-way star around pushes him to be better.
"Yeah, for sure, we're competing there at everything we do, we come out here each and every day. Just come out here, striving to be the best," Thomas told the press corps.
And of course, Thomas is more than glad to help his fellow receiver.
"He's been asking a lot of questions. But I mean, it's just him trying to be the best that he can be. Just like talking through routes, talking through little things, plays, and why we run certain plays versus these certain looks, so just like little things like that. I mean, he wants to be the best. We both want to be the best, so we just come out and compete each and every day, and whatever he needs help with, I'm glad to help."
Thomas hauled in 82 receptions for 1,282 yards with 10 touchdowns last year. He could post a similar statline, while the over/under for Hunter in 2025 is set at 750 yards.
The Jaguars should be hyped up about having Brian Thomas Jr. and Travis Hunter
The Jaguars haven't had many franchise cornerstones in recent years. Similarly, they haven't gotten much production out of the receiver position on a consistent basis. Brian Thomas Jr. and Travis Hunter could change that.
Sure, Calvin Ridley got over 1,000 yards in 2023, and Christian Kirk also crossed the mark one year prior. Before that, DJ Chark Jr. put together a Pro Bowl season in 2019. But as promising as the trio looked, none of them was able to become a bona fide No. 1 receiver.
Granted, Thomas has only played one season, but he's in a prime position to buck the trend. In fact, he could be the first receiver since Jimmy Smith in 2004-2005 to tally over 1,000 yards in consecutive years. Having Hunter should most definitely help.
The Jaguars are flying under the radar ahead of the regular season, but nobody should bat an eye if Brian Thomas Jr. and Travis Hunter help them make noise in 2025.
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