Super Bowl Champion Makes Feelings Known About Travis Hunter’s 2-Way Potential Ahead of Jaguars’ Star’s Rookie Season

Travis Hunter’s fate in the 2025 NFL Draft was nearly as surprising as watching Shedeur Sanders slide for two days. Of course, the twist happened much sooner. The Jacksonville Jaguars, who had been sitting back for the duration of the offseason, pounced.

Trading up from the fifth spot, the Jaguars made a deal with the Cleveland Browns to draft Hunter at No. 2 overall. They were sold on his two-way abilities as a cornerback and wide receiver, and they’re now putting the star prospect through his paces.

Travis Hunter Received Sky-High Expectations From Former Jaguars Veteran

Speaking on a May 12 edition of “Good Morning Football,” NFL analyst, Super Bowl champion with the New York Giants, and former Jaguars veteran Will Blackmon gave his thoughts on the expectations for Hunter.

Can @TravisHunterJr be the savior in #DUUUVAL ? @WillBlackmon believes it could be the case. pic.twitter.com/tI542uyAEv

— Good Morning Football (@gmfb)

“They were so excited to go up and draft this man that they literally gave him the keys to Jacksonville,” Blackmon said. “Like, look, ‘We want you to be our savior.’ … I love the fact they [said] ‘Hey, go to offense this week. Next week, we’ll try you at defense.’ So this is the time to get this done.”

In other words, the first practices of Hunter’s NFL career are being used to figure out his best fit, whether that is in a 50-50 split at wide receiver and cornerback or a split that more heavily favors one or the other. Of course, Hunter has his own thoughts.

Hunter’s Ultimatum Sets Clear Tone for Tenure With Jaguars

Heading into the 2025 NFL Draft, one of the big questions surrounding Hunter was whether he would be drafted with the intention of being a wide receiver or a cornerback exclusively. By testing him on offense and defense, Jacksonville is seemingly at least open to having him play snaps both ways at this time.

However, if they arrive at the conclusion that he should be either exclusively a cornerback or a receiver, it could set the stage for a clash. According to a statement made to CBS Sports’ Garrett Podell via “The Sun,” Hunter threatened retirement before the NFL Draft if he would not be allowed to play both offense and defense.

“It’s never playing football again. Because I’ve been doing it my whole life, and I love being on the football field. I feel like I could dominate on each side of the ball, so I really enjoy doing it,” he said.

The Jaguars need their second overall pick to help with their 18th-best Offense+ metrics, according to PFSN. Meanwhile, they may need more help from him on the other side of the ball to help boost Jacksonville’s 31st-best Defense+ metrics.