Travis Hunter hasn’t played a single NFL snap, but already he’s at the center of one of the league’s most fascinating questions: Can a true two way player thrive at the pro level?
TheJaguars are about to find out, and their quarterbackTrevor Lawrence has a clear opinion on where Hunter’s talents could be especially valuable.
“Selfishly, I definitely want him on offense more,”Lawrence said this week on NFL Network. “And I told him, ‘Do you want to catch touchdowns or do you want to maybe break up a pass or two? That’s a decision you have to make.’”
Hunter was drafted second overall for a reason. His elite footwork, ball skills, and competitive drive stood out on both sides of the ball at Colorado. But now that he’s in Jacksonville, the coaching staff (and Hunter himself) will have to determine how, and where, he can help most.
Why Lawrence Sees Something Special on Offense
GettyTrevor Lawrence-Travis Hunter chemistry ‘growing’
To be clear, Lawrence isn’t ruling out Hunter contributing at cornerback. But his perspective comes from the offensive side of the ball, and what he’s seen already has him excited.
“He’s so talented, it’s hard to keep him off the field,” Lawrence said. “He’ll make plays wherever he is, but obviously as a quarterback I hope he plays more on offense. Wherever he plays to make us better, because he will make us better, I’m all for wherever that is.”
Lawrence has never had a receiver with Hunter’s blend of burst, body control, and natural feel for space. And while second year receiverBrian Thomas Jr. profiles as a classic deep threat (tall, explosive, and built to stretch defenses vertically), Travis Hunter brings a different skillset.
His game is built on quick separation, precise movement, and a rare ability to shift gears mid route. That makes him the perfect complement to Thomas and a potential go to option in red zone and third down situations, areas where Jacksonville has struggled to consistently win in recent years.
The Jaguars Are Building Something and Hunter Might Be the Wild Card
GettyLiam Coen on Travis Hunter. “I thought when he had the ball in his hands [on offense] and he operated, he operated at a high level.”
The Jaguars are 22-38 in Trevor Lawrence’s 60 career starts, but that record doesn’t tell the full story. Lawrence is entering his fifth season with experience, a new coordinator, and a growing sense that this roster is finally built to contend.
“You’ve got to go prove it on Sundays this fall, so it doesn’t really matter what I say,” Lawrence added. “But I feel very confident in this team, and I think we’re a talented team.”
Hunter helps elevate that talent on both sides of the ball. If the Jaguars want to use him situationally on defense, particularly in key man coverage matchups or high leverage third downs, they can. But Lawrence’s comments underscore that Hunter could be more than just a go to option rather than a part time weapon on offense.
Jacksonville doesn’t have to choose a side yet. In fact, it’s possible they never fully will. Hunter could carve out a rare path as a legitimate contributor on both offense and defense. Hunter’s role may evolve week to week. But Lawrence’s message is simple: put the ball in his hands, and good things will happen.