![Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) walks to greet fans after the game of an NFL football matchup at EverBank Stadium, Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025 in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jaguars defeated the Panthers 26-10. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]](https://statico.profootballnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/18132712/hall-famer-blasts-jaguars-usage-09-18-25-1920x1277.jpg "Hall of Famer Blasts Jaguars’ Usage of Travis Hunter After Rookie’s Shockingly Slow NFL Start")
The Jacksonville Jaguars made one of the boldest moves of the 2025 NFL Draft, giving up multiple premium picks to secure former Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter.
Early expectations were sky-high, yet the opening weeks of his rookie campaign have sparked concern, particularly from a Hall of Fame defensive back who is questioning Jacksonville’s plan.
Rod Woodson Questions Jacksonville Jaguars’ Plan for Travis Hunter
Hunter has lined up on both offense and defense through two games, but Jacksonville has leaned on him more as a receiver. He has played 61 percent of offensive snaps compared to just 37 percent defensively.
Statistically, that has translated to nine catches for 55 yards, three tackles, and one pass defended. For a player drafted No. 2 overall — and one the Jaguars surrendered two first-round picks, a second, and a fourth to acquire — those numbers fall well short of expectations.
Rod Woodson, the Hall of Fame defensive back who earned 11 Pro Bowl selections during his career, shared his concerns about Hunter’s role on “Up & Adams with Kay Adams.”
“I don’t even think they know what they’re doing with him…”
HOF DB Rod Woodson questions the Jaguars’ usage of WR/CB Travis Hunter@heykayadams | @RodWoodson26 pic.twitter.com/02wboOWqcU
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) September 18, 2025
“They’re just trying to figure out what to do with him. I don’t even think they know what they’re doing with him,” Woodson said. He added that uncertainty seems to extend to the player himself, as neither side has clarity on whether he should be treated as a primary receiver or a cornerstone cornerback.
Woodson’s critique centered on the belief that Jacksonville is mismanaging Hunter’s most valuable skill set. According to him, the rookie should be developed as a full-time cornerback first, then gradually incorporated into offensive packages.
“To me, Travis Hunter can be a shutdown, lockdown corner in the NFL,” Woodson argued, noting that offense should be secondary.
This perspective highlights the balancing act facing the Jaguars. On one hand, Hunter’s two-way talent is what made him such a unique prospect, but spreading him across roles may be limiting his growth in either. Woodson’s insistence that the Jaguars pick a direction underscores the importance of defining a vision for the player.
Hunter’s current production illustrates the risks of Jacksonville’s approach. A wide receiver’s stat line of 55 yards through two games is modest, while his defensive contributions are equally limited. For the Jaguars, who mortgaged part of their future to acquire him, that lack of immediate impact raises tough questions.
Woodson offered a clear blueprint, suggesting the Jaguars give Hunter a consistent defensive role while limiting offensive usage to specific plays such as sweeps, crossing routes, and deep shots. “You have to have a vision for him,” he emphasized, urging Jacksonville to let Hunter grow into a shutdown corner first.
Whether the Jaguars adjust remains to be seen, but Woodson’s remarks reflect a growing sentiment: without a clear plan, Hunter’s special talents risk being squandered by the Jaguars.
