Why Has the NFL’s Two-Way Talent Not Gotten Going Yet?
One of the biggest storylines around the NFL entering 2025 was around the Jacksonville Jaguars’ second-overall selection in the draft with cornerback and wide receiver Travis Hunter. Many fans around the league questioned his abilities on whether his play style could transfer into NFL play, and if it was feasible to be a two-way athlete in the pros. Some fans bought into Hunter’s hype train early, even bringing up the possibility of Hunter sweeping the Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year Awards. Entering the season, Jacksonville’s head coach Liam Coen said to the media that although Hunter is higher on the depth chart offensively than defensively, he would not rule out the option of playing Hunter significantly on both sides of the ball. However, through the first two weeks, Hunter has not impressed the fans as they would’ve hoped.
Through two starts, Hunter has had nine receptions for 55 yards and has yet to sniff his first professional touchdown. Defensively, Hunter has had three tackles and one pass deflection. Hunter has played 61% of Jacksonville’s offensive snaps compared to only 37% of the team’s defensive snaps. Hunter also had an injury scare during Week Two against the Cincinnati Bengals, being sidelined for a few plays before going back out. His performance against the Bengals ended up hurting Jacksonville, including a costly pass interference penalty late in the fourth quarter. It leaves fans to wonder, will Travis Hunter turn this rough start around? The short answer is yes, it’s way too early to write Hunter off. He’s extremely young and inexperienced, and as a pro-athlete, he needs this rough stretch as a wake-up call and reality check to learn from in the future. He can only get better with more trust from the coaching staff and just more opportunities to grow as a player.
Yes, it is a little concerning to have such a slow start, but looking around a Jaguars offense that has no identity, it makes sense that he’s struggling. Many starters on the offensive side of the ball are having slower starts than expected, including standout Brian Thomas Jr. A cause could be a whole new playbook than last season, with a new head coach and offensive coordinator, and a lot of newer additions to the roster that the team needs some time to gel and develop a rhythm. Fantasy owners should be upset with Hunter’s performance early, but a true fan should know that this is just the beginning of a fantastic career for Travis Hunter.
