Travis Hunter’s next challenge: back-to-back drives and bigger snap counts
The Jacksonville Jaguars rookie showed flashes of greatness in his preseason debut, but now it’s time for him to step up in a big way into his dual role.
Jacksonville Jaguars rookie Travis Hunter has been one of the most hyped players to watch in the 2025 season thanks to his ability to play at an elite level on both offense and defense. And last week, the Jaguars’ No. 2 overall pick showed flashes of his potential in his preseason debut against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Travis Hunter welcome to the NFL 💔😔 pic.twitter.com/YYALzNhdpb
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) August 10, 2025
But insiders believe it’s time for Hunter to take things another step further.
Travis Hunter’s role expanding as Jaguars prep for historic snap load
Hunter, a rare two-way player who starred at both wide receiver and cornerback at Colorado, was acquired at a steep cost in a draft-day trade. Now, he’s out to prove why he was worth the cost.
Jaguars head coach Liam Coen has said he wants Hunter to play 80% of all snaps on both offense and defense - a workload that would push him close to a historic snap count per game.
So far, the Jaguars have eased him into the role. Against Pittsburgh, Hunter only played in non-consecutive drives, prompting analysts like Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer to suggest testing his endurance by giving him back-to-back possessions to simulate real game stress, both physically and mentally.
“I do wonder if, just to condition him and see what he’s capable of, the Jags will want to get him in there on, say, four or five consecutive possessions, because there’s both a physical and mental balance to all of them,” Breer wrote.
With sky-high expectations and a historic role ahead, the remainder of the preseason will be critical for conditioning Hunter to thrive as the NFL’s first full-time two-way star in decades.
Related stories
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.
Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
Complete your personal details to comment