In Week 1 of the preseason, Travis Hunter got one step closer to playing two ways for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2025. While his numbers don't pop off the stat sheet, his performance was much better than what traditional metrics would like to suggest.
Hunter played 10 snaps at receiver and eight at cornerback. He ended up with receptions for nine yards and a missed tackle. Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports gave him a B- for his performance, arguing he flashed "Yard-after-carry" potential and his missed tackle shouldn't be an issue. Here's the skinny.
"Two catches, one with a glimmer of YAC juice," Trapasso wrote. "On defense, he played eight snaps and looked as advertised in coverage, but he missed a tackle, which actually wasn't much of a problem at Colorado or Jackson State."
Leaving aside Hunter's solid (but not great) score, an NFL analyst pointed out that his impact went beyond the statline.
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Jaguars two-way star Travis Hunter's impact doesn't show on the stat sheet
Laurie Fitzpatrick credited Travis Hunter with a coverage sack, pointing out that he made the quarterback go through his reads.
Travis Hunter's coverage sack vs Steelers offense.
— Fitz (@LaurieFitzptrck) August 11, 2025
He's dangerous in zone. Hes watching the QBs eyes the entire time and passes off his receiver to the safety, great cohesiveness even though hes taking reps on offense. pic.twitter.com/6JC7v9v2Zl
Travis D. Holmes of SB Nation echoed Fitzpatrick's analysis, highlighting the fact that the reigning Heisman Trophy winner baited the quarterback into holding onto the football by zeroing in on the running back's route.
This goes on to show that Hunter's transition to the NFL is going well. Since being drafted by the Jaguars, there have been doubts about whether he can actually play on offense or defense full-time. So far, he's put all questions to rest.
Sure, it would have been great if the West Palm Beach native had made the tackle or finished with a couple more receptions in the season opener. Then again, he only logged 18 snaps, and it's a bit tough time to take the league by storm in such a limited amount of time.
Moreover, Hunter has shown enough progress in training camp and the preseason to make you think that he'll be fine, growing pains and all, in 2025.
The Jaguars will want more from Travis Hunter in the regular season
Travis Hunter checked off a massive box when he began practicing on both offense and defense the same day. He then showed that he can play two games in the NFL. Next, the former Colorado Buffalo will need to make plays.
Sure, getting a coverage sack is encouraging, but the Jags drafted Hunter second overall to be a game-altering talent. He doesn't have to finish every game with 100+ receiving yards and one interception, but he most definitely needs to make one big play or two. The good news is that he's in a position to pull it off.
Hunter doesn't have to be WR1 in Jacksonville due to the presence of budding star Brian Thomas Jr. and free-agent acquisition Dyam Brown. Heck, the latter may get the starting nod opposite the former to start the regular season. On defense, Hunter is poised to earn a significant role but may not start with Jarrian Jones, Tyson Campbell, and Jourdan Lewis in the mix.
Simply put, not having to be the sole playmaker for the Jaguars will take some pressure off Travis Hunter. This, in turn, could allow him to make an impact right off the bat.