Since the Jacksonville Jaguars made their first-round selection of the 2025 NFL Draft, all eyes have been on the Heisman Trophy-winning Travis Hunter as he transitions to the NFL. Understandably so, his playmaking abilities are dazzling.
In a recent update from the coaching staff, Jags fans got a new reason to get a bit more excited about Hunter's outlook and versatility going forward for Jacksonville.
According to Jags head coach Liam Coen, Travis Hunter's role on defense will increase in Week 2, as he will get more snaps on defense against the Bengals. With the draft capital involved to take Hunter in round one of this year's draft, fans have clamored to see him perform on both sides of the football.
Jaguars HC Liam Coen told reporters that Travis Hunter “will get more snaps on defense” Sunday in Cincinnati against the Bengals. pic.twitter.com/NVSP089vnm
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 10, 2025
Now, that comes to fruition in a bigger way after the season opener. Hunter's role was very limited on defense in Week 1, but it seems like Jacksonville is simply easing him into the process. Playing both offense and defense at the college level is a different beast than the NFL level.
Regardless, Hunter won't be mostly limited to just playing wide receiver right now. They're expanding how he is used, and with his talent, that is a positive sign for a Jaguars team looking for answers to improve on both sides of the football.
"Travis Hunter only played six snaps on Sunday in their win over the Carolina Panthers, but those six snaps were pretty good, all things considered. Hunter was more involved with the offense, being the guy the Jaguars used in their short passing game, such as wide receiver screens, drags, flats, and slants. On defense he wasn’t matched up against the best receiver at all, and that’s probably for the best. Hunter can be a great defensive back, but he’s not the best on the Jaguars, or even close to the best. Him being on the second unit is about right, because the guys ahead of him are better at the moment, and Hunter has to play the other side of the ball, too."
"But if we’re talking depth, he’s perfect for the Jaguars and what they’ll need on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals. It will be interesting to see how many snaps he gets over Tyson Campbell and Jarrian Jones, two great cornerbacks. If Hunter is coming off the field that means those guys are too." -- Justin Churchill, A to Z Sports
Keep an eye out on Hunter this weekend. Hopefully for the Jags, he can come up with a big play that shows precisely why the organization traded their first-round pick for next year to get select him early in the first round.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!