Travis Hunter, the electrifying Heisman Trophy winner, has taken the NFL by storm after being selected second overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2025 NFL Draft. Known for his rare ability to dominate on both sides of the ball, Hunter’s arrival in Jacksonville signals high expectations for his rookie season. The Jaguars made a blockbuster move on draft day, trading the No. 5 pick, a second-rounder (No. 36), a fourth-round pick (No. 126), and a 2026 first-rounder to the Cleveland Browns for the No. 2 pick, plus the 104th and 200th picks. This high price reflects their belief in Hunter as a cornerstone player alongside Trevor Lawrence and Joshua Hines-Allen for the future of the franchise.
Hunter’s college career at Colorado was nothing short of legendary. He led the Big 12 with 96 catches, 15 touchdown receptions and 1,258 receiving yards on offense, while also shining on defense with 36 tackles, 11 pass breakups and four interceptions. At 6-foot-1, the junior phenom played nearly every snap for the Buffaloes, a workload unmatched by most. His staggering stats and versatility made him the highest draft pick out of Colorado since Bo Matthews in 1974. With echoes of two-way legends like Deion Sanders and Champ Bailey, Hunter’s ability to excel as both a wide receiver and defensive back has set the stage for an unprecedented NFL experiment.
A Dual-Role Dream Takes Shape
So what position will Hunter play for the Jaguars? The answer, straight from the mouth of newly hired GM James Gladstone, is both. In a candid video, Gladstone is seen chatting with Hunter about his bold vision to play wide receiver (WR) and defensive back (DB) in the pros. “You’ve got a wild vision for what you want to accomplish, and we’re all in,” Gladstone tells the 21-year-old, who responds with confidence and excitement. Hunter has long insisted he’s capable of handling both roles, even asking NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to announce him as “wide receiver and DB” on draft night. The Jaguars are giving him a chance to become the first player since Chuck Bednarik in 1962 to play a full-time dual role in the NFL – a gap of 63 years.
This isn’t just a feel-good story; it’s a calculated gamble. The NFL is a different beast from college, with its grueling physical demands and strategic complexities. Scouts and coaches have long wondered if Hunter could mirror MLB’s Shohei Ohtani by thriving at two positions, or if he’d have to pick a lane. Jacksonville brass is betting on the former, but challenges loom. Playing both ways could test his stamina, and the jump from NCAA to NFL competition is steep. Still, Hunter’s green light to pursue this dream has the football world buzzing with anticipation. And I have to tell you, as a Colts fan, I’m not looking forward to playing him twice a year.
The Road Ahead for Hunter and the Jaguars
With a full career ahead of him, Hunter’s dual-role experiment raises some fascinating questions-especially about money and longevity. Wide receivers typically make more than cornerbacks; Denzel Ward, the highest-paid CB, would rank ninth among WRs in contract value. When Hunter’s rookie deal expires, his agent will have a tricky negotiation on his hands. Then there’s durability: The NFL’s snap-by-snap intensity is unmatched, and playing both sides of the ball could wear him down. But as Hunter himself might say, you don’t know his limits until he’s tested them.
On the field, he’ll be a game-changer for Trevor Lawrence’s offense, teaming with standout rookie Brian Thomas Jr., who rushed for 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns last year. Defensively, his knack for breaking up passes and snagging picks will bolster the secondary. The Jaguars, led by 39-year-old head coach Liam Coen and 34-year-old GM Gladstone, are a young, gutsy team unafraid to make a big splash. Trading up for Hunter proves they’re building something special in Jacksonville, and his rookie season could be the spark that lights up the AFC South.
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