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When the Jacksonville Jaguars selected Travis Hunter with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, they made it clear they were getting more than just a wide receiver or a cornerback - they were investing in a rare two-way talent.
Just over a month into his NFL journey, Hunter is beginning to show why the Jaguars' gamble may pay off in a big way.
While Hunter's versatility was well-documented during his college career at Colorado, Jacksonville has taken a measured approach to his NFL development. The team announced early on that Hunter would begin his professional transition by focusing primarily on offense, while gradually integrating him into the defensive rotation.
So far, the Jaguars have stuck to that plan. Through the first several weeks of practice, Hunter has spent the majority of his reps working as a wide receiver. However, the buzz around his defensive potential hasn't gone quiet.
Defensive coaches want more from Hunter
Head coach Liam Coen recently shared that defensive backs coach Ron Milus is already eager to get Hunter more involved on defense.
"Ron came up to me after practice and said, 'Can we have him more?'" Coen said with a smile.
That request followed a red-zone session where Hunter didn't record any defensive highlights but still impressed with his movement and coverage instincts.
"Even though he didn't make a play on the ball, you could see his natural feel in both man and zone coverage," Coen added.
"He's still getting used to the calls, still learning, but he never looks out of place."
Currently, the Jaguars are keeping Hunter on a one-side-per-day plan, meaning he doesn't practice offense and defense on the same day. However, Coen hinted that this could change once the regular season begins. In the meantime, Hunter remains involved on the defensive side by attending meetings and keeping up with the playbook.
Over the weekend, Jacksonville released a short video clip showing Hunter in action on both sides of the ball - a teaser that gave fans a taste of what's to come. The footage included a glimpse of Hunter lining up in coverage against Jaguars' top wideout and fellow rookie Brian Thomas Jr., showcasing his ability to match up with NFL-caliber talent.
Though it's early in his NFL career, Hunter is quickly earning the respect of both offensive and defensive coaches. His unique ability to contribute on both sides of the ball has made him a standout even in limited reps.
For now, the Jaguars remain cautious with their prized rookie, but expectations are growing. If his development continues at this pace, Travis Hunter could become one of the league's most impactful and unconventional players - the kind of dual-threat rarely seen in the modern NFL.