Following rookie minicamp, Travis Hunter, the former Colorado Buffaloes standout known for his dual prowess as a cornerback and wide receiver, faced a storm of attention. Initially, Hunter seemed to falter on his routes, leading to whispers about his readiness. Fast forward a couple of weeks, and he's put those doubts to rest with a significant improvement, particularly on the offensive side of the ball.
Picked second overall in the 2025 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars, a team that boldly traded their 2026 first-round pick to snag him, Hunter carries with him a wave of high expectations. And, the good news for Jaguars fans is that he's already showing signs of living up to them.
Early practices fueled speculation that his athletic prowess masked a few technical shortcomings—namely, in his footwork. However, recent videos reveal a transformation: cleaner footwork and a fluidity in reaching the football that silences the doubters.
It's not uncommon for rookies, even those at the top of their draft class, to stumble a bit as they adjust to the heightened pace of the NFL. Take Ja’Marr Chase as a prime example. The Bengals' wide receiver faced similar scrutiny before dazzling the league with his elite skills.
Hunter’s capabilities are underscored by his impressive collegiate accolades, including a Heisman Trophy win following a remarkable 2024 season. That year, he recorded 1,258 receiving yards, 15 touchdowns, and delivered solid defensive performances with 35 tackles, four interceptions, a forced fumble, and 11 passes defended.
For his rookie season, Hunter is stepping into the wide receiver role, though his versatility hasn't been overlooked—he's also been spotted practicing on defense during OTAs. The Jaguars are clearly open to leveraging his talents on both sides of the field.
Teaming up with second-year receiver Brian Thomas Jr., who himself had a breakout season with 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns, the potential for a fearsome offensive pairing looms large. With Trevor Lawrence at the helm, last year's modest 11 touchdown passes will undoubtedly aim to skyrocket. The Jaguars, coming off a tough 4-13 season, have big plans for a turnaround in 2025.
Despite the early route-running hiccups, the Jaguars' faith in Hunter is unwavering. Tony Boselli, the team's executive vice president of football operations, and a Pro Football Hall of Famer, is full of praise for the rookie.
He sees not just the raw athletic gifts—Hunter’s agility, command of his body, and quick pivots—but also his character traits. "We're not playing real football yet," Boselli points out, highlighting the limited nature of early drills.
Yet, he's already impressed. “Travis Hunter has surpassed my expectations.
He's an athlete on the field, yes, but it’s his leadership, energy, and work ethic that truly stand out. This guy is hungry—and he's aiming to be the best," adds Boselli.
As the Jaguars charge into the new season, bolstered by Hunter's potential, they seem poised for a rejuvenation that could rewrite their NFL narrative. Fans should certainly keep their eyes on Jacksonville this year—Hunter and the Jaguars are ready to make some noise.
