The Jacksonville Jaguars will be must-see TV for the first time in years, as the addition of two-way star Travis Hunter with the No. 2 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft has given them a chance to nurture one of the more singular athletic talents in recent NFL history,
Hunter hasn't even strapped his full pads on just yet, and he has already taken the franchise by storm with his nearly unprecedented athletic ability. Even in practices where players aren't playing at full speed, the early returns on Hunter's energy, skill, and talent have been as glowing as possible.
"Think Energizer Bunny," wrote Michael DiRocco of ESPN. "Players and coaches have been impressed by Hunter's seemingly endless motor. He can run all day (according to QB Trevor Lawrence), brings good juice to the field (according to C Patrick Mekari), and just keeps going (per coach Liam Coen). Two other things also stand out: his ball skills and his football IQ."
Travis Hunter receives rave reviews from Jaguars in summer workouts
Hunter has started his NFL career working as more of a wide receiver than a cornerback, though Coen has said the plan for him is to gradually assimilate his way to the defensive side of the ball. The mental strength needed to absorb two NFL playbooks is immense, but Hunter thinks he can do it.
Hunter already figures to be one of Lawrence's top targets. Alongside an emerging star in Brian Thomas Jr. and a free agent signing that has impressed during offseason workouts in Dyami Brown, Jacksonville figures to have one of the best wide receiver rooms in the AFC.
Travis Hunter should star on offense and defense for the Jaguars
On defense, Hunter's ceiling could make him a worthy complement to top dog Tyson Campbell. Jacksonville's secondary is very weak at the moment, which means Hunter could have a bigger impact on the defensive side of the ball early in his career.
Hunter is a spectacle, and the Jaguars need to do whatever they can to make sure their huge investment can pay off. So far, it looks like James Gladstone's big move has netted Duval County a franchise player.