NFL

Jaguars reportedly set to use Travis Hunter in unexpected way to help Trevor Lawrence

Travis Hunter officially has an NFL team for the upcoming season. He’ll be playing alongside Trevor Lawrence, but the franchise reportedly has a unique plan for him, something rare in the league.

Wide Receiver/Cornerback Travis Hunter of Colorado speaks with media after being selected second overall pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft at Lambeau Field on April 24, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
© Getty ImagesWide Receiver/Cornerback Travis Hunter of Colorado speaks with media after being selected second overall pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft at Lambeau Field on April 24, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

The Jacksonville Jaguars will have Travis Hunter on their roster for the upcoming NFL season. It’s likely he’ll secure a starting role alongside Trevor Lawrence, but reports suggest the franchise has plans to deploy Hunter in two different roles on the field.

“Jaguars are expected to play their first-round draft pick Travis Hunter on offense and defense. They will on-board him by giving him a heavy dose of the wide receiver position while still playing him at his more natural position on defense. Two positions for pick No. 2,” wrote Adam Schefter on X, commenting on how the franchise intends to utilize Hunter.

This implies that Travis Hunter won’t just line up next to Lawrence to catch some passes—he’ll also contribute defensively, helping to protect the score, much like he did during his college career.

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How good is Travis Hunter as a defender?

During his college tenure with the Buffaloes, Hunter recorded 66 combined tackles, with 47 of them being solo. As a cornerback, he’s exceptionally fast—a speed he also demonstrates as a wide receiver. Spending only two years in Colorado was enough to showcase his capabilities.

Travis Hunter

Travis Hunter #12 of the Colorado Buffaloes warms up before a game against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Folsom Field on October 26, 2024 in Boulder, Colorado.

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When it comes to his skills as a wide receiver, it’s clear Hunter could significantly assist Lawrence, adding much-needed talent to a room where the Jaguars have struggled for depth. As a college football player, he logged 153 receptions, 1,979 yards, and 20 touchdowns, averaging 12.9 yards per catch.

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Why the Jaguars need someone like Hunter

The Jaguars’ need for a player like Hunter is evident. He could help elevate the franchise’s offensive performance. Last season, they ranked 26th out of 32 NFL teams, one of the worst offenses in the league, averaging just 18.8 points per game. Brian Thomas was the only standout receiver, with 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns.

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