Travis Hunter’s Dual Threat: Will the Jaguars Rookie Dominate as WR and CB in 2025?

The Jacksonville Jaguars made a seismic move in the 2025 NFL Draft, trading up to select Travis Hunter with the No. 2 overall pick. This wasn’t just another draft pick; it was a statement. As Jaguars General Manager James Gladstone declared on draft night, Hunter possesses “the capacity to alter the trajectory of the sport itself.” Hunter, fresh off winning the Heisman Trophy after a dominant season playing both wide receiver and cornerback for the Colorado Buffaloes, has officially signed a lucrative four-year, $46.6 million contract, solidifying his place as a cornerstone of the Jaguars’ future. But the question on everyone’s mind is: can Hunter truly excel as a two-way player in the NFL, and will he dominate as both a WR and CB for the Jaguars in 2025?

Hunter’s Collegiate Dominance: A Glimpse of What’s to Come?

Travis Hunter’s college career was nothing short of legendary. In 2024, he became the first player in NCAA history to win the Heisman Trophy, Chuck Bednarik Award (best defensive player), and Fred Biletnikoff Award (best receiver) in the same season. His statistics were eye-popping: 92 receptions for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns on offense, coupled with 31 tackles, 4 interceptions, and 11 pass breakups on defense. He achieved all of this while maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA. Hunter’s ability to seamlessly transition between offense and defense, playing an astounding 111.5 snaps per game, captivated the nation and made him a coveted NFL prospect.

The Jaguars’ Vision: Unleashing Hunter’s Full Potential

The Jaguars clearly have a plan for Hunter. While some traditional evaluators might view his split focus as a deterrent, the Jaguars see it as a unique advantage. Head Coach Liam Coen and his staff are crafting a strategy to maximize Hunter’s talents on both sides of the ball. “We want him to be nothing more than him,” Coen stated during Hunter’s introductory press conference. “Because when he is, he elevates the space around him, from the football field to the city to the game of football itself.”

Defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile has already expressed his excitement about Hunter’s potential on defense. “He’s doing extra every day, so I have a ton of respect for everything that he’s done to this point,” Campanile said. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence echoed this sentiment, noting Hunter’s boundless energy and dedication. “Got a lot of juice. He can run all day,” Lawrence said. “He’s like a kid, he doesn’t get tired it seems like.”

The Challenges Ahead: NFL Realities and Two-Way Demands

While Hunter’s potential is undeniable, the NFL presents a different level of competition and physical demands. The wear and tear of playing both WR and CB at the highest level is a significant concern. No player has consistently played both positions full-time in the NFL for decades. Can Hunter withstand the rigors of a 17-game season while excelling at two physically demanding roles?

Another challenge lies in mastering the nuances of both positions at the NFL level. While Hunter’s athleticism and instincts are exceptional, he’ll need to refine his technique and understanding of NFL offenses and defenses. As one scouting report noted, Hunter needs to improve the consistency in his technique, particularly in press coverage, and add some weight to better handle bigger receivers.

How Hunter Can Dominate: A Path to Two-Way Success

For Hunter to truly dominate as a two-way player in the NFL, several factors need to align:

Strategic Usage: The Jaguars must carefully manage Hunter’s workload, strategically deploying him in situations where he can have the most impact. This might involve limiting his snaps early in the season and gradually increasing his playing time as he adjusts to the NFL.
Position Specialization: While Hunter will likely play both WR and CB, he may need to prioritize one position based on the Jaguars’ needs and his own development. Many scouts believe his highest ceiling is at cornerback, where his ball skills, processing speed, and athleticism project him as a potential shutdown corner.
Elite Conditioning: Hunter will need to maintain peak physical condition to handle the demands of playing two positions. This requires a rigorous training regimen and a commitment to nutrition and recovery.
Coaching and Development: The Jaguars’ coaching staff must provide Hunter with the technical guidance and support he needs to excel at both WR and CB. This includes film study, individual drills, and a clear understanding of his roles and responsibilities.

2025 Expectations: A Realistic Outlook

While it’s tempting to expect immediate dominance from Hunter, a more realistic outlook for his rookie season involves a gradual integration into the Jaguars’ lineup. He will likely see significant playing time at one position, while contributing situationally at the other.

As a Wide Receiver: Hunter could become a valuable weapon in the Jaguars’ passing game, utilizing his exceptional hands and route-running skills to create opportunities for Trevor Lawrence. His ability to win contested catches and make plays after the catch would make him a dangerous target in the red zone.

As a Cornerback: Hunter’s coverage skills and ball-hawking instincts could quickly make him a valuable asset to the Jaguars’ defense. He has the potential to develop into a shutdown corner, capable of erasing opposing teams’ top receivers.

The Verdict: A Future Star in the Making

Travis Hunter is a unique talent with the potential to revolutionize the NFL. While the challenges of playing both WR and CB at the highest level are significant, Hunter’s exceptional athleticism, work ethic, and football IQ give him a chance to succeed.

Whether he ultimately dominates as a two-way player remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Travis Hunter will be one of the most exciting and closely watched rookies in the 2025 NFL season. His journey with the Jacksonville Jaguars will be a fascinating story to follow, and his success could pave the way for a new era of dual-threat players in the league.