During the 2024 season, when the Jacksonville Jaguars were on pace to clinch the first overall selection in this year's draft, they were routinely seen as a potential landing spot for Travis Hunter. They ultimately got the No. 5 pick, and there's a strong chance the two-way star will still be available. If that's the case, should the Jags take him? He certainly gave them an easy decision to make with an impressive performance at the Colorado Pro Day.
Hunter wasn't originally planning on working out his pro day but ended up running routes. While he didn't run the 40-yard dash or partake in any athletic drills, he did run routes and mostly got rave reviews for his performance. There aren't many clips available, but the NFL posted the one below on their official Twitter account.
Travis Hunter routes so crisp 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/kBnzCMk4IQ
— NFL (@NFL) April 4, 2025
Ian Rapoport of NFL Media also shared a clip of Hunter running routes.
Travis Hunter routes so crisp 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/kBnzCMk4IQ
— NFL (@NFL) April 4, 2025
The truth is that there's nothing Hunter did that he didn't do at Colorado. Nevertheless, his willingness to participate should leave scouts that attended the pro day a positive impression. On the other hand, it would've been interesting to see the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner do cornerback drills. Then again, he's put together plenty of tape for teams to evaluate, so it shouldn't be an issue.
In Jacksonville, Hunter could be deployed as a receiver or a cornerback. After all, neither position is a pressing need for the Jaguars after taking care of both in free agency.
Former Tennessee Titans general manager Ran Carthon said on the With The First Pick podcast that the former Buffaloe could be a Day 1 starter on defense because of his ball skills and ability to attack the ball. Once he's got a full grasp, he could then earn reps on offense.
""Personally, I think it starts on defense... I think he's plug-and-play Day 1, he's your starting corner. His unique trait, his superpower, is ball skills, being able to attack the ball. [And] me personally, if I were calling it, it's defense first, it's punt return to allow him to have the ball in his hands, and then [you] allow him to earn packages on offense.""
Later on his appearance on the WTFP podcast, Carthon says that it's difficult to master a position in the NFL, let alone two, but Hunter's top-notch athleticism might allow him to pull it off.
It's also worth noting that the consensus may be split in Hunter's potential role at the same level. While some some teams echoe Carthon's belief, others "see him as a receiver." In the end, it would be interesting to see how the Jaguars use the 2024 All-American nod.
The Jaguars face a roadblock to draft Travis Hunter
As talented as Travis Hunter is, it's not a given that the Jaguars will take him at No. 5. For starters, it's uncertain if he's at the top of their draft board. But even if he is, they'd better hope that the teams ahead of them don't select him.
Hunter could go as early as No. 3 if the New York Giants feel comfortable with the duo of Jameis Winston and Russell Wilson behind center. If they pass on him, he could be at risk of landing with the New England Patriots one pick later.
The Pats don't need a quarterback after drafting Drake Maye last year. They've been dubbed a fit for Hunter if Abdul Carter goes to the Cleveland Browns at No. 2. This is to say that either Big Blue or New England could draft Hunter, so there's a strong chance he won't make it to No. 5.
The silver lining is that if Travis Hunter is off the board at No. 5, the Jaguars could easily draft Mason Graham, Jalon Carter, or even Will Johnson. Then again, his strong outing at the Pro Day should make him the clear-cut favorite.