Jaguars Embrace Two-Way Weapon Travis Hunter

The Jacksonville Jaguars are entering the 2025 season with a bold and innovative plan: turning rookie sensation Travis Hunter, the No. 2 overall pick in the draft, into a true two-way weapon. Hunter, who electrified fans at Colorado with his rare ability to dominate both sides of the ball, will begin his NFL career as an every-down wide receiver while also moonlighting as a situational cornerback.

Few players in NFL history have been asked to shoulder such a unique role. While two-way legends like Deion Sanders and Charles Woodson flashed versatility in the past, the modern league—with its heightened pace, complex schemes, and punishing physical demands—has made such dual responsibilities nearly impossible.

Yet, the Jaguars believe Hunter is the exception.

“He’s not just talented, he’s wired differently,” said head coach Liam Coen. “Our job is to protect him, maximize his potential, and use him strategically so that he can help us win on both sides of the football.”

Hunter missed the preseason due to an upper-body injury, raising questions about whether the Jaguars might scale back their ambitious plan. Instead, the coaching staff has doubled down on his two-way role, while stressing that they will monitor his workload week by week.

In practice, this could mean Hunter logging the majority of his snaps at wide receiver—where his elite speed, hands, and route-running make him a natural weapon—while stepping in at cornerback in high-leverage defensive situations.

The Jaguars are determined to balance innovation with caution, ensuring that Hunter’s health remains a priority across a grueling 17-game schedule.

On offense, Hunter is expected to be Trevor Lawrence’s most dynamic target. His ability to stretch the field, win contested catches, and exploit mismatches in coverage makes him a threat to opposing defenses every single snap.

Analysts already predict that Hunter could contend for Offensive Rookie of the Year honors if he stays healthy. His presence not only boosts Jacksonville’s passing game but also opens opportunities for running backs and other receivers as defenses scramble to account for him.

While his primary role is offense, Hunter’s ability to line up at cornerback could prove invaluable against elite wideouts in clutch moments. His instincts, ball-hawking skills, and quick recovery speed give Jacksonville a rare luxury: the ability to throw a shutdown corner on the field without a substitution.

It’s a wrinkle that could frustrate opposing quarterbacks and coordinators, particularly in late-game scenarios.

Fans have already embraced the vision, with ticket sales and merchandise featuring Hunter’s name among the top sellers in Jacksonville. Around the league, coaches and analysts are watching closely to see if this bold experiment succeeds—or if it proves too taxing in today’s NFL.

Former Pro Bowl receiver-turned-analyst Steve Smith Sr. commented:

“If Travis Hunter can pull this off for an entire season, it changes the way we think about the modern NFL athlete. He’s that rare of a talent.”

The Jaguars’ gamble on Travis Hunter is more than just a tactical choice—it’s a statement of ambition. By embracing his unique gifts, Jacksonville is pushing the boundaries of what an NFL player can be in 2025.

Whether Hunter thrives as a two-way superstar or faces the limits of physical demand, one thing is certain: the football world will be watching closely every time he steps onto the field.