The Jacksonville Jaguars drafted Travis Hunter second overall after trading up, but early training camp practices suggest uncertainty about how they’ll use the two-way star.
Hunter has worked primarily with pass catchers during camp. He’s spent less time with the Jaguars defense.
The 22-year-old won the Heisman Trophy playing both cornerback and wide receiver at Colorado. He dominated as a ball-hawking corner and a shifty, sure-handed receiver who could flip games by himself under Coach Prime’s program.
Jacksonville was enamored enough with this weapon to trade up for him. But his role at the next level remains unclear.
This uncertainty has led one veteran coach to express concerns about Hunter’s skill set translating to the pros.
Former Jets and Browns head coach Eric Mangini thinks the grind of the NFL will negate Hunter’s impact. While on “First Things First,” Mangini pointed to the increased workload and competition level.
“He’s shown that he’s built different, but there’s a significant difference between college football and the NFL. You’re adding the five games plus whatever you’re playing in the preseason. The quality of players you’re playing against is good every week,” Mangini said.
Mangini has a point, considering no one has been able to achieve this feat at the NFL level.
Hunter’s NFL career arc could hinge on his conditioning. The increased schedule and competition presents challenges no college player has faced.
If Hunter was just a lockdown defensive back or explosive receiver, he still could’ve been a top-ten pick in a weak class. But he almost certainly wouldn’t have been the second name off the board.
Hunter has the tools to do the impossible. But the chance he’s able to perform this task is much smaller than many onlookers care to admit.
