NFL analysts make strong prediction about Travis Hunter's rookie season that would probably make Trevor Lawrence smile

The Jacksonville Jaguars are not shying away from dreaming big when it comes to creating a talented roster with plenty of upside. In an AFC South with a ton of questions, the Jags feel like a legitimate pick to potentially contend for a division crown, even if that's not a popular prediction. 

That's not often been the case.

In a recent "hot takes" piece via Kyle Crabbs and Destin Adams, they bounce back and forth on some opinions regarding the entire AFC South. For the Jaguars, their prediction/take involved rookie Travis Hunter. 

Jags hot take involving Travis Hunter's role

The biggest question surrounding the rookie is his workload. Will Hunter be the top wideout for Jacksonville? Is he going to play more cornerback than receiver? Will it be a close balance of both? Only time will tell.

Hot Take: Travis Hunter plays significantly more snaps on offense than defense in 2025

One of the most debated topics of the 2025 NFL Draft cycle is which position Travis Hunter should prioritize at the next level. Is he a CB, is he a WR, or better yet, can he actually do both at a high level? The Jaguars have made it clear he's going to play both sides of the ball, and they gave up a large price on draft day to bring him to Jacksonville to do just that. I have a hard time seeing him be a full time WR and CB at the NFL level though. I believe he is going to form one of the best young WR duos in the league with Brian Thomas, and once they have success, I just don't see them being willing to take him off the field on offense, whereas I think ultimately he will be used more sparingly on defense. My more specific take on the subject is that Hunter will play over 85% of the offensive snaps as a rookie, and I think he falls under 75% on defense. -- Destin Adams

Buying or out on this take: I'm buying

I think this makes a lot of sense when you apply the drafting of Hunter through two separate angles — giving Trevor Lawrence all the impact players he needs and Liam Coen's background and offensive background. The Jaguars are committed to Lawrence and found a resounding hit with Brian Thomas Jr. in last year's draft. But until they get Lawrence consistently performing to his potential, this build isn't going to be an effective one. Coen's offensive background should help, but you have to think this first-year head coach is going to want his new toy on the field for his route combinations as much as possible. I'm in. -- Kyle Crabbs

This shakeout for Hunter won't shock me at all. I'm not sure the Jags would have made such an aggressive move to trade up for Hunter if his main role would be on defense. 

Rather, adding another top-flight receiving weapon for quarterback Trevor Lawrence plus an ultra-talented cornerback with a frame to grow into as a secondary hope could have been the likely plan for the new staff for the Jags. 

If that's the case, the Jaguars could boast one of the best WR duos in all of football with Hunter and Brian Thomas Jr., who proved his skill set as a rookie last season. Their play styles could complement one another and give notable depth to the passing game for Lawrence and co., an aspect to the depth chart in Jacksonville that has been lacking for much of the QB's pro career.