The Jacksonville Jaguars have revealed their plan for rookie Travis Hunter, the No. 2 overall pick in the recent NFL Draft. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Hunter will serve as a starting wide receiver on offense while also being listed as a backup cornerback on defense. This decision has drawn considerable attention as it marks an ambitious attempt to utilize Hunter’s talents on both sides of the ball.
Hunter’s performance at the University of Colorado last season was nothing short of remarkable. He won the Heisman Trophy, demonstrating his dual-threat capability by playing 753 of a possible 871 snaps (86%) on offense and 776 of 938 snaps (83%) on defense. His achievements included winning both the Fred Biletnikoff Award, recognizing him as the NCAA’s best wide receiver, and the Chuck Bednarik Award for the best defensive player.
In comparison, last season’s standout players demonstrated significant snap counts in their respective positions. For instance, wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase played 1,053 of 1,136 snaps (93%) on offense, while cornerback Patrick Surtain II played 1,054 of 1,233 snaps (85%) on defense. Meanwhile, rookie wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. played 822 snaps (80%) on offense, and Quinyon Mitchell, a cornerback who finished second in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting, played 1,158 of 1,320 snaps (88%) on defense.
Despite Hunter’s impressive college statistics, experts cite the challenges of maintaining two-way play in the NFL. The professional season is notably longer than college football, with NFL offenses and defenses often taking on significantly more snaps. For instance, Chase’s offensive unit played 265 more snaps than Hunter’s, a 31% increase, while Mitchell’s defense played 382 more snaps, representing a 41% increase.
The expectation is that Hunter must excel on both sides of the ball to justify his dual role. If competing as a two-way starter detracts from his performance, it may be more beneficial for him to focus on one position. Initially, there was speculation that teams viewed Hunter primarily as either a wide receiver or cornerback, with a tendency to slot him in on defense. The Jaguars’ current depth chart indicates a shift, suggesting a focus on his role as a starter in the receiving corps while utilizing him in the secondary as needed.
As the Jaguars prepare for their season opener against the Carolina Panthers on September 10, 2025, questions remain about how effectively Hunter will be used. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how much time he will spend on defense behind starters Tyson Campbell and Jarrian Jones, and whether he will be featured prominently alongside Thomas and Dyami Brown on offense.
The upcoming game will provide insight into the Jaguars’ strategy regarding Hunter’s utilization. Will they limit his playtime across both positions, or will they allow him to play as much as he desires? Additionally, concerns about fatigue and the risk of injury with dual play will be crucial factors to monitor throughout the season.
With so much at stake, the Jaguars’ innovative approach to integrating Travis Hunter into their lineup is sure to be a focal point as the season unfolds. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this bold decision impacts both Hunter’s performance and the team’s overall success.
