Jaguars rookie Travis Hunter's slow start raises concerns

The Jacksonville Jaguars took Colorado two-way player Travis Hunter with the No. 2 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft with the expectation that he would be an immediate contributor.

So far, the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner has nine receptions for 55 yards in 84 snaps as a wide receiver and three tackles in 49 snaps as a cornerback. That isn't the type of impact that many in the league thought Hunter would have, per The Athletic's Dianna Russini.

While part of Hunter's issue is that he missed time in training camp with an upper-body injury, Jacksonville has yet to find his niche in the NFL.

"The question some around the league are asking is why?" Russini wrote of Hunter's lack of production early in the season. "It’s evident the Jaguars are still working on defining his role, although he saw an uptick in snaps on both sides of the ball in Week 2 — 42 on offense and 30 on defense. 

"Hunter is an undeniably talented player with a rare skill set. Right now, though, his usage is very much a work in progress, which highlights just how demanding playing both ways can be at the NFL level."

Another top draft pick has struggled, too

Russini suggested the Jaguars might be better off letting Hunter play one position while he adjusts to the league rather than having him struggle playing both ways.

Hunter's slow development isn't uncommon, and it shouldn't be a worry for the Jaguars in September. Hunter's rival in college, running back Ashton Jeanty, taken with the No. 6 pick in the 2025 draft out of Boise State, has rushed for just 81 yards and a touchdown on 30 carries for the Las Vegas Raiders.