Two-way star Travis Huner is the kind of player who can alter the course of a franchise. That's why it wasn't surprising to see the Jacksonville Jaguars make an aggressive effort to trade up for him in the NFL Draft. Already, the West Palm Beach native is the talk of the town, and he's taking advantage of his newly acquired fame to have fun with a prominent figure in team history.
One day after drafting him second overall, the organization flew Hunter to Jacksonville for his introductory press conference. Throughout the media availability session, he talked about his professional goals and the expectations that come with being a top-5 pick.
There were many worthy moments at the presser, like him taking away Liam Coen's football and later putting a Jaguars helmet on. However, the one that arguably stood out the most was when the team's vice president of football operations, Tony Boselli, was holding his jersey, when Hunter snatched it out of his hands, only to strike the Heisman pose a moment later. Here's the clip.
If anything, Boselli took it in stride, but you could make the case that Hunter shouldn't have disrespected the team's EVP and only player in franchise history to make the Pro Football Hall of Fame. After all, he has yet to prove anything at the NFL level, and whatever he achieved in college will not be relevant. That said, you love to see that feisty attitude and competitiveness. If anything, Jacksonville needs more players like the former Colorado standout. But wait! There's more.
During the draft, the Jags called Hunter to let him know that they were picking him. His response? "That's the best decision."
Again, that's the kind of moxie and cofidence Jacksonville has sorely missed.
Travis Hunter will elevate the Jaguars
Do you remember when Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair laid a nasty hit on Trevor Lawrence and knocked him unconscious during a divisional matchup in 2024? Aside from cornerback Jarrian Jones and a few other players, not many Jaguars rushed to their quarterback's defense. And while you never want to condone violence or physical altercations, it's fair to say that Jacksonville looked toothless.
Ideally, you want maules at the line of scrimmage, players who will wreak havoc and will go to bat for their teammates. Hunter fits the bill, and with him leading the way, others will follow. That's how much of a game-changer he is and why the Jaguars didn't hesitate to make a bold trade for him.
The 2024 Jaguars lacked an identity and physicality. Not surprisingly, they cleaned house, and the new regime is setting the tone. It will be a bit easier with players of Travis Hunter's caliber around.