Jaguars GM: Team undecided on Travis Hunter’s gameday workload

Shortly after Jacksonville moved up to No. 2 to select Hunter, general manager James Gladstone said the majority of his work during the spring would come at the receiver position. Over time, though, the acclimation period included time and on-field work with both the offense and defense. During OTAs and minicamp, Hunter began taking reps as a corner in addition to his WR work.

During his most recent comments on the matter – an interview with Andrew Siciliano on SiriusXM radio – Gladstone clarified that Hunter was more comfortable at corner upon entry into the league, something which informed the team’s decision to focus on the receiver position at first. As the 22-year-old becomes more at ease in both capacities, though, training camp will see him continue to his expand his workload. With respect to gameday usage during the season, Gladstone confirmed a notable workload on offense and defense can be expected.

“He does not tire,” the rookie general manager said of Hunter (audio link). “He’s got a spark, he’s got the energy, the capacity from a physical standpoint to be able to be able to do it is certainly there. Certain game plans might dictate usage differently. Putting a number on [a snap count] at this stage is premature.”

Indeed, plenty of time remains for the Jaguars to finalize their depth chart at receiver and in the secondary. That process will be key in determining how much Hunter is relied upon during his rookie season. Jacksonville’s receiver room has undergone several changes this offseason and he could occupy a key role in tandem with Brian Thomas Jr. for years to come. On the other hand, Montaric Brown, Tyson Campbell and Jarrian Jones are all in place after leading the team in cornerback snaps last season. Hunter could be comparatively eased into playing time on defense as a result.

In any case, the way Jacksonville uses him will make for one of the team’s most interesting storylines over the course of the campaign. Hunter’s workload could shift from one week to the next, and his success in balancing two-way duties will no doubt be a key factor in the team’s performance.