Jaguars' patient approach with Travis Hunter quickly paying massive dividends

Two-way star Travis Hunter has been relatively quiet this season, but the Jacksonville Jaguars aren't pressing the panic button, and rightly so. The reigning Heisman Trophy winner is learning two positions while getting acclimated to the pros. The Jags know that it will take him a bit to hit his stride and are understandably taking a long-term approach with him. It's paying dividends against the San Francisco 49ers.

Jacksonville was facing a third-and-long situation inside its 20-yard line early in the second quarter. It looked like they were going to need to punt. Instead, Trevor Lawrence looked for Hunter and connected with him on a 28-yard pass.

That turned out to be a key play on a 14-play, 89-yard drive that tight end Hunter Long capped off with a four-yard touchdown reception to make it 14-3.

San Francisco challenged the play, but it stood. At the time of the play, the Jags were up 7-3, and so far. Later in the second quarter and just before halftime, Hunter caught a 10-yard pass, but he's far from the only offensive player who's come through.

The Jaguars punted on their first offensive possession, but running back Travis Etienen broke off a 48-yard run on their second drive to give his team a 7-3 lead. Brian Thomas Jr., for his part, has also played well, logging three catches for 29 yards. On the other hand, the defense has also done its part.

On the 49ers' second offensive possession, linebacker Dennis Gardeck dislodged the ball from Brock Purdy's hands. In their following drive, Jaguars linebacker Foyesade Oluokun picked Purdy off. At halftime, the Jags were 17-6.

Related: Kyle Shannahan takes a blatant shot at the Jags amid the Robert Saleh accusation

The Jaguars know Travis Hunter is a long-term project

The Jaguars gave up their second-round pick in 2025 and their first-round selection next year to select Travis Hunter second overall. Couple that with the fact that he was the highest-rated prospect at both corner and receiver, and it's easy to understand why he's been under so much scrutiny in light of his slow start to the season. The team's brass, though, isn't fretting, as it's aware his learning curve is steeper than that of other rookies.

Just recently, Liam Coen said that the coaching staff is trying not to put too much on his plate and will limit him to learning just one position on offense and defense.

Against the 49ers, Hunter is proving that the Jags are taking the right approach by not rushing his development.

Here are other Jaguars stories you may also like: