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To have sustained success in the NFL, a team needs its fair share of young building blocks who can anchor the roster season after season.
They can be a franchise quarterback, set to lead the team for the next decade.
Or a lethal edge rusher who can wreak havoc on opposing offenses.
Maybe it's an explosive wide receiver who can turn any play into a touchdown, or a true shutdown cornerback who can take away the other team's best receiver week after week.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are fortunate to have several players regarded as young building blocks. But, out of all the different choices, which one is the most promising?
Is it QB Trevor Lawrence, who is still only 26 years old and is coming off a career season in which he was named a finalist for the NFL's MVP award?
Maybe Travon Walker? He was the top overall pick in 2022, one year after Jacksonville took Lawrence first overall. Only 25, Walker already has two seasons with double-digit sacks under his belt. The Jaguars gave Walker a big-money contract extension in April, ensuring he will be a big part of the team's future.
What about Brian Thomas Jr.? Still only 23 years old, BTJ was the first Jaguars' WR ever to make the Pro Bowl as a rookie.
All of them would be excellent choices, but Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report, who made his pick for each team's most promising building block, selected WR/CB Travis Hunter for the Jaguars.
With all of the young talent on Jacksonville's roster, why did Knox choose Hunter?
"Let's be honest. Travis Hunter's rookie campaign was a disappointment. While his ability to contribute on both sides of the ball last season was impressive, the Colorado product did not play up to the expectations of being the second overall pick in the draft.
"Hunter recorded just 298 receiving yards and a touchdown to go with 15 tackles and three passes defended. Then, a torn LCL ended his rookie season after seven games.
"Of course, it's Hunter's ability to play both ways that makes him such a promising building block for the Jags. He did show big-play potential as a receiver, and he was mostly solid as a cornerback (68.3 opposing passer rating) when he was tested.
"NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported early in the offseason that Jacksonville plans to make Hunter a full-time cornerback and a part-time receiver this season after giving him more of an offensive focus as a rookie. If he adapts quickly and can stay healthy, Hunter has the potential to be a true superstar."
There you have it. Hunter's ability to dominate a game either offensively or defensively sets him apart from any of the other young cornerstones on the Jaguars' roster.
Hunter is certainly one of the most talented, and most unique, players in the entire NFL. Only a knee injury prevented him from fully showing it as a rookie.
Now entering his second season, Hunter is going to be one of Jacksonville's starting cornerbacks for the first time in his NFL career, while also chipping in as a WR whenever called upon. His ability to develop into a true shutdown CB could take the Jaguars' already-strong defense to completely new heights.
As talented as Hunter is, I still would have chosen Lawrence. Having a franchise quarterback is the biggest piece of the puzzle when putting together an NFL team. Jacksonville has one who is only 26 years old and rapidly climbing the list of the NFL's best QBs.
Hunter is still a terrific choice and has the talent to be one of the best players to ever play for the Jaguars.
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They can be a franchise quarterback, set to lead the team for the next decade.
Or a lethal edge rusher who can wreak havoc on opposing offenses.
Maybe it's an explosive wide receiver who can turn any play into a touchdown, or a true shutdown cornerback who can take away the other team's best receiver week after week.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are fortunate to have several players regarded as young building blocks. But, out of all the different choices, which one is the most promising?
Is it QB Trevor Lawrence, who is still only 26 years old and is coming off a career season in which he was named a finalist for the NFL's MVP award?
Maybe Travon Walker? He was the top overall pick in 2022, one year after Jacksonville took Lawrence first overall. Only 25, Walker already has two seasons with double-digit sacks under his belt. The Jaguars gave Walker a big-money contract extension in April, ensuring he will be a big part of the team's future.
What about Brian Thomas Jr.? Still only 23 years old, BTJ was the first Jaguars' WR ever to make the Pro Bowl as a rookie.
All of them would be excellent choices, but Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report, who made his pick for each team's most promising building block, selected WR/CB Travis Hunter for the Jaguars.
Why Did Knox Choose Hunter?
With all of the young talent on Jacksonville's roster, why did Knox choose Hunter?
"Let's be honest. Travis Hunter's rookie campaign was a disappointment. While his ability to contribute on both sides of the ball last season was impressive, the Colorado product did not play up to the expectations of being the second overall pick in the draft.
"Hunter recorded just 298 receiving yards and a touchdown to go with 15 tackles and three passes defended. Then, a torn LCL ended his rookie season after seven games.
"Of course, it's Hunter's ability to play both ways that makes him such a promising building block for the Jags. He did show big-play potential as a receiver, and he was mostly solid as a cornerback (68.3 opposing passer rating) when he was tested.
"NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported early in the offseason that Jacksonville plans to make Hunter a full-time cornerback and a part-time receiver this season after giving him more of an offensive focus as a rookie. If he adapts quickly and can stay healthy, Hunter has the potential to be a true superstar."
There you have it. Hunter's ability to dominate a game either offensively or defensively sets him apart from any of the other young cornerstones on the Jaguars' roster.
Final Thoughts
Hunter is certainly one of the most talented, and most unique, players in the entire NFL. Only a knee injury prevented him from fully showing it as a rookie.
Now entering his second season, Hunter is going to be one of Jacksonville's starting cornerbacks for the first time in his NFL career, while also chipping in as a WR whenever called upon. His ability to develop into a true shutdown CB could take the Jaguars' already-strong defense to completely new heights.
As talented as Hunter is, I still would have chosen Lawrence. Having a franchise quarterback is the biggest piece of the puzzle when putting together an NFL team. Jacksonville has one who is only 26 years old and rapidly climbing the list of the NFL's best QBs.
Hunter is still a terrific choice and has the talent to be one of the best players to ever play for the Jaguars.
Join our ROUNDTABLE community! It's free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members. Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!
Continue reading...
