Perhaps no rookie has more to prove in his first NFL season than Travis Hunter, the wide receiver/cornerback drafted second overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Florida franchise is committed to using him on both sides of the ball, and Hunter is determined to make it work.
Still, there are major doubts among fans and analysts about whether he can handle the speed and physicality of the NFL while playing both positions. As for Hunter himself, he’s fully intent on trying, and one of his Jaguars teammates shared his thoughts on the unique challenge Hunter is about to take on starting in 2025.
Josh Hines-Allen Talks About Travis’ Playing Both Offense And Defense in the NFL
Hunter’s college football career left little doubt that we’re witnessing a once-in-a-generation athlete. While the NFL has seen players contribute on both offense and defense, Hunter’s level of performance was unmatched. He proved he could line up as both a wide receiver and a cornerback and still play at an elite level.
However, despite his college dominance sparking interest in using him as a two-way threat, there’s understandable concern that the NFL’s pace and physical toll could wear him down, potentially putting his health at risk with so much exposure on the field. Josh Hines-Allen, who will share the defensive backfield with Hunter, addressed how the team plans to manage his role moving forward.
“I think if he can allow himself to stay healthy and take care of that, get in the hyperbaric machine, I think he has a great career ahead of him on both sides of the ball. Again, if he’s the best DB, is he the best wide receiver, who knows? But is he a great playmaker? On both sides of the ball? Yes, he is,” Allen said.
What has Travis Hunter shown in @Jaguars minicamp thus far that gives belief he can play both ways?@JoshHinesAllen broke down what he’s seen from the dynamic rookie:#NFL #DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/9pyNtf9yLO
— Rich Eisen Show (@RichEisenShow) June 30, 2025
Initially, the plan is for Hunter to focus more on playing wide receiver, where he can make a more immediate impact alongside Brian Thomas Jr., giving Trevor Lawrence another dangerous weapon on offense. He has been training with the offensive unit this offseason, but the team does intend to incorporate him on defense in specific sub-packages.
Although defensive units are typically more rigid and less rotational, lighter formations with five or more defensive backs could be ideal for deploying Hunter in clear passing situations, such as third-and-longs or late-game drives when opponents are forced to throw.
“And at the end of the day, when you’re a team like us right now, who’s in that stage of, we have to get it right now, we need the best playmakers on the field at all times. And if he can give you that value, let’s do it,” Allen added.
In his final college season, Hunter recorded 16 total touchdowns and 1,263 scrimmage yards, along with four interceptions on defense. These numbers earned him the Heisman Trophy as the best player in college football and cemented his status as a unicorn entering the NFL.