Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Travis Hunter Leaves Coach in Awe with 'Out of This World' Secret Weapon

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jeremy Beren | Last updated May 6, 2025 5:38 PM ET

The Jacksonville Jaguars parted with a lot in order to select Travis Hunter in the 2025 NFL Draft. In sending two first-round picks, a fourth-round selection and a sixth-rounder to the Cleveland Browns for the second overall pick, the Jaguars made it clear that they expect Hunter to transform a Jacksonville franchise that has yet to reach a Super Bowl.

Hunter's 2024 season at the University of Colorado made Jaguars general manager James Gladstone a believer. Hunter excelled as a receiver, recording 96 receptions for 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns in the Colorado offense. As a cornerback, Hunter made 36 tackles, defended 11 passes and recorded four interceptions on his way to winning the Heisman Trophy.

Madden up next @EASPORTSCollege @EA | #DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/g7V1OH07ZQ
— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) May 6, 2025

One assistant coach at a Power 4 program in the NCAA told ESPN's Adam Rittenberg that Hunter could be worth the Jaguars' investment because of one standout trait amidst a complete, two-way game.

"Travis is like the rubberband man," the unnamed assistant said. "He understands football, knows routes off splits, ball skills are out of this world. His ball skills are the best I've ever seen. His endurance is what's really crazy."

Jaguars head coach Liam Coen has already indicated that Hunter will start working with the Jacksonville offense first . It is a group that needs a spark next to quarterback Trevor Lawrence and second-year wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr.

Liam Coen had three players rank top-12 in screen targets per game (@FantasyPtsData).

And they were well-designed; all of Chris Godwin, Rachaad White, and Bucky Irving ranked highly in yards after the catch/reception on those targets.

Brian Thomas or Travis Hunter this year? pic.twitter.com/SB1nwWG45B
— Ryan Heath (@RyanJ_Heath) April 25, 2025

However, the Jaguars' defense ranked 32nd in passing yards allowed and intercepted only six passes in 2024, so there is a clear need for Hunter for take snaps as a defensive back, too.

Still, wherever Hunter lines up to begin 2025, his football IQ and elite ball skills are expected to kick off Jacksonville's franchise turnaround.

"He's somebody who's deserving of a first-round draft pick as a wide receiver, and he is worthy of a first-round pick as a corner," Gladstone told reporters after the Hunter pick. "Certainly look forward to each of those elements over the next few years while he's under his rookie contract. But yeah, we're excited getting him in the boat, so to speak."

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: