Travis Hunter was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars with the second overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, and the youngster has already left quite the impression on his peers
Travis Kelce has commented on Travis Hunter’s upcoming rookie season in the NFL(Image: Getty Images)
Travis Kelce has weighed in on Travis Hunter’s rookie season in the NFL, suggesting that teams will likely devise strategies to exploit Hunter’s defensive play, potentially affecting his offensive game as a wide receiver.
Earlier this year, the Jacksonville Jaguars executed a major trade ahead of the NFL Draft, catapulting them to the second pick. They used this opportunity to draft Hunter, the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner from Colorado, with their top selection.
Hunter showcased his prowess on both offense and defense during his time in college, playing as a wide receiver and cornerback. The 22-year-old is eager to continue this dual role in the NFL, a possibility the Jaguars have expressed interest in exploring.
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But if Hunter does take on both roles in the upcoming season, he’ll be up against a higher level of competition each week in the NFL.
Kelce, speaking on ‘Bussin’ With the Boys‘ with former NFL stars Taylor Lewan and Will Compton, conceded that Hunter might become a target for opposing teams, who could aim to wear him down with deep field plays, thereby diminishing his effectiveness when playing offense for the Jaguars.
“Hell yes, 100 percent,” Kelce affirmed when asked about Hunter’s potential success in the league. “World-class athlete.”
Hunter was announced as both a receiver and cornerback at April’s NFL Draft(Image: Getty Images)
Lewan then queried the Kansas City Chiefs star about Hunter’s potential achievements: “What’s the expectations? All-Pro, both sides?”
“Both sides?” Kelce responded. “See, that’s the thing, I don’t know how they’re going to divvy it out.
“I don’t know, because teams are going to be going after him. They’re gonna try and make his day miserable. If he plays corner, they’re gonna run deep balls at him all day.
“They’re gonna run the wide receivers, just take off on him all day, just to try to get him tired.
“Why wouldn’t you just attack him that way?”
Despite potential challenges, Jaguars co-owner Tony Khan is excited about the dual-role plan for Hunter. On ‘The Rich Eisen Show,’ Khan shared his enthusiasm.
“I think he’s been super open about it, that Liam (Coen, head coach) plans to involve Travis on offense and defense,” said Khan. “I think in our offseason activities already, early in minicamp, and we’ve seen Travis work on both sides.
“And really he’s been very impressive on both sides, and it’s very early, but I think he’s got a great group of coaches to work with on both sides of the ball, so we’re really excited about it, and I think Liam’s talked about it a good amount that he really believes Travis can contribute on offense and defense.”