Travis Hunter May Change The NFL Endlessly As A Two-Approach Star

I’m not prepared handy Travis Hunter a gold jacket for his preseason effort as a uncommon “two-way” standout, however the No. 2 general choose within the 2025 NFL Draft flashes elite playmaking potential as a large receiver-defensive again with full-time duties on the horizon.

Although the 6-foot, 185-pounder logged round 20 whole snaps within the Jacksonville Jaguars’ preseason debut, the sneak peek confirmed the soccer world the group’s dedication to a novel plan that might revolutionize the game.

Hunter, listed as a starter at huge receiver and backup at cornerback on the Jaguars’ preliminary depth chart, performed 18 whole snaps, with 10 snaps on offense and eight snaps on protection. Whereas the offensive-defensive break up didn’t meet the Jaguars’ aim of 10 snaps on both sides of the ball, the balanced workload suggests the group is dedicated to deploying the rookie in a manner that’s much like his position at Colorado the place he was awarded the Heisman Trophy after amassing 1,258 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns on 96 receptions at huge receiver, whereas tallying 36 tackles, 4 interceptions and 11 passes defensed at cornerback.

Regardless of his success as a collegiate two-way standout, the skeptics query whether or not a participant can thrive as a full-time starter on both sides of the ball. As a former NFL huge receiver-kick returner who spent the final three years of my profession at cornerback, I’m satisfied Hunter can pull off the uncommon experiment primarily based on his expertise, ball abilities and instincts as a large receiver-defensive again.

As an distinctive go catcher with extraordinary hand-eye coordination and physique management, Hunter operates like an MLB centerfielder monitoring down fly balls within the alleys. Whether or not catching slants and digs from the slot, working between the hashes, or choosing off passes as a “see ball, get ball” defender, Hunter is a giant play ready to occur at any time when he steps between the strains in a teal jersey.

Head coach Liam Coen is intent on maximizing his playmaking potential by using him initially as a slot receiver earlier than increasing his offensive position to incorporate snaps at each place. Defensively, Hunter will play as an outdoor nook in sub-packages on “get off the sector” conditions (third-down, purple zone, two-minute and finish of sport) that allow him to play to his strengths as a ball-hawking go defender.

For a participant who logged almost 85 p.c of Colorado’s whole snaps, Hunter’s heavy workload shouldn’t concern NFL coaches who should not accustomed to working with two-way gamers. Whereas the Jaguars will undoubtedly monitor Hunter with numerous monitoring units and assign a coach to handle communication and instruction between him and the teaching employees, the rookie is assured he can deal with two-way duties as a professional after efficiently enjoying as a large receiver and defensive again at the highschool and collegiate ranges.

After I requested Hunter concerning the largest problem enjoying on each side of the ball, he cited “studying the playbook” and understanding the scheme. At Colorado, he performed in choose packages with a scaled-down offensive playbook that enabled him to play sooner on account of his mastery of only a few easy ideas. Defensively, Hunter might depend on his superior athleticism, instincts and consciousness to excel within the man-to-man and zone ideas employed by the Buffaloes.

With the Jaguars, Hunter’s expansive position as a wideout might make him a full-time offensive participant and a part-time defender primarily based on the group’s want to faucet into his explosiveness as an offensive weapon. As Brian Thomas Jr. sees extra double protection in 2025 on account of his spectacular rookie season, the Jaguars want a viable WR2 to win towards single protection. Hunter is the highest candidate for the job as a nifty slot receiver with sticky fingers and distinctive operating abilities. Though he wants to shine his route-running capability, he ought to excel on in-breaking routes between the numbers that allow him to weave between defenders who’re unable to match his stop-start quickness and burst. Moreover, Hunter’s presence as a slot defender will enable Trevor Lawrence to focus on him rapidly on numerous RPO ideas that function slants and bubble screens from the within receiver.

As Hunter grows extra snug with the playbook, the Jaguars might place him on the skin in heavy formations (multi-tight finish units) to benefit from the single-high protection most opponents make the most of to defend run-heavy personnel packages. Contemplating how Lawrence desires to push the ball down the sector, Hunter’s velocity and ball abilities make him a risk on “50-50” balls towards one-on-one protection. Furthermore, the rookie’s knack for acrobatic catches will increase the strike zone, significantly down within the purple zone, the place quarterbacks are instructed to throw alley-oops away from cosy defenders.

With those self same ball abilities translating into turnovers on protection, Hunter has an opportunity to spark a Jaguars squad that desperately wants extra scoring and takeaways to climb again into competition. Although skeptics marvel if a participant can play at an All-Professional stage on both sides of the ball, the Jaguars have a plan to unleash probably the most embellished participant in school soccer historical past as a two-way playmaker who might change the professional sport eternally.

Bucky Brooks is an NFL analyst for FOX Sports activities. He additionally breaks down the sport for NFL Community and as a cohost of the “Shifting the Sticks” podcast. Comply with him on Twitter @BuckyBrooks.

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