The Jaguars decision to trade up and draft Travis Hunter was listed among the top offseason moves made around the NFL.
The Jacksonville Jaguars’ trading up and drafting Travis Hunter with the second overall pick was named one of the top offseason moves by ESPN.
Matt Bowen recently compiled his list of the 50 best offseason signings, trades, and draft picks. Coming in at No. 12 on his list was the Jaguars‘ selection of Hunter.
“The reigning Heisman Trophy winner has a rare skill set to impact both sides of the ball,” wrote Bowen. “Hunter’s 15 touchdown catches and 23 receptions of 20 or more yards both tied for second in the nation last season, plus he had nine interceptions over his entire college career.”
The Jaguars are preparing Hunter to play both ways at the NFL level as well. The majority of his playing time during OTAs and minicamp came on offense, with Liam Coen telling The Athletic recently that wideout is where he “needs the most development.”
The next step for Hunter in his progression will be playing on both offense and defense consistently within the same practices. For the first six or so training camp practices, according to Coen, we will continue to see Hunter on either offense or defense, but after that point, playing on both sides on the same day will become his new norm.
The caveat to all of this, however, is that Jacksonville will remain very fluid with Hunter’s schedule, having already made adjustments coming off offseason programs.
Whether it be at wide receiver or cornerback, Hunter brings impressive ball skills to this Jaguars’ team. On offense specifically, he gives Liam Coen added flexibility when it comes to building out his game plans, not to mention that Hunter’s presence can help take some of the attention off Brian Thomas Jr.