NFL voice raises training camp concern about Jaguars' handling of Travis Hunter

Two-way star Travis Hunter has been everything the Jacksonville Jaguars bargained for when they drafted him second overall in April. So far, his transition to the pros has been smooth and is on pace to play receiver and corner as a rookie. However, an NFL voice argues that he could run onto a speed bump in training camp.

Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated argues that it will be worth watching how the Jags split Hunter's workload in training camp, pointing out that Collective Bargaining Agreement rules limit the amount of practice time players can get.

"As rules have tightened on the on-field work players can do with coaches, through the past two CBA negotiations, the time everyone spends out there has been more and more of a premium," Breer wrote. "Especially for young guys learning the NFL."

Breer continued, "So in Hunter's unique circumstances, it'll be fascinating to see how new Jaguars coach Liam Coen divvies up the No. 2 pick's work through July and August."

Later in his column, Breer goes on to say that training camp will "provide a window into how Hunter's time will be spent in he regular season.

All things considered, Breer isn't wrong. CBA rules are very straightforward about the amount of on-field work players can get, and the last thing the Jags want is to get docked any potential OTA sessions in future years because they didn't follow protocol.

Having said that, the coaching staff will try to maximize Hunter's practice reps, so he can be in a position to contribute on either offense or defense right off the bat. Since the team is dealing with an unprecedented situation, the Jaguars will do what they've done so far: Adjust on the fly, and make tweaks as needed.

For instance, Hunter was only getting practice time at receiver early in the offseason program, but began to get reps at cornerback near the end of mandatory minicamp because the team's brass believed he was ready for it.

The Jaguars will have find a way to get the most out of Travis Hunter as a rookie

Certain expectations come with being drafted second overall, but Travis Hunter won't be under pressure to deliver. Based on how they're handling his development, it looks like the Jacksonville Jaguars are taking a long-term approach with the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner.

While Hunter will be expected to contribute on both offense and defense as a rookie, he won't have to put the team on his shoulders and may not even earn a featured role. This is because the Jags are loaded at both receiver and cornerback.

With Brian Thomas and Dyami Brown in the mix, Hunter doesn't have to be the No. 1 receiver. Similarly, the Jags have Tyson Campbell, Montaric Brown, Jourdan Lewis, and Jarrian Jones in the fold, so they can afford to bring the former Colorado Buffalo slowly and plug him onto the football field until his ready.

On the other hand, Hunter is simply too talented to stay on the sidelines, so the coaching staff will surely find ways to get him into action.

The bottom line is that the Jaguars have a unique situation at hand but should have no trouble getting the most out of Travis Hunter in training camp and later in the regular season.

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