ESPN breaks down how Jaguars should utilize Travis Hunter in 2026

[ASFN Admin]

One major question surrounding the Jacksonville Jaguars this offseason is how they should utilize Travis Hunter.

In 2025, the Jaguars traded up to pick No. 2 in the NFL Draft to land Hunter, and it's not hard to see why. He not only won the Heisman Trophy, but the Chuck Bednarik and Fred Biletnikoff Awards, for the best defensive player and wide receiver, respectively. He's the only person in college football history to ever win both.

Hunter's rookie season was initially promising. Hunter would play both offense and defense, and he seemed to be on the verge of breaking out on offense before an injury cut his rookie season short. However, there is a lot of hype and expectation towards what he can accomplish in his sophomore season.

The big question, though, is where Hunter will take most of his snaps. It's assumed that he will see more opportunities at cornerback this season, while still having a role on the offensive side of the ball.

However, ESPN's Ben Solak believes the Jaguars should be very mindful of how many snaps Hunter plays on offense, so as not to sacrifice what he can add defensively.

First, Solak pointed out that Hunter has the talent and potential to become one of the best CBs in the league:

I'm very bullish on his future there. He has the body type and movement skills of a cornerback -- lean, sudden, amazing balance and body control through change of direction and contact. The even better news: His technique at corner isn't great, which suggests there's a higher ceiling with some hard coaching. He could become one of the league's premier man coverage players.

Solak then said he worries that Hunter's potential at corner will be eroded due to playing too much on offense.

My great fear is that Hunter will play corner (and play it well) but get run ragged with offensive snaps as the Jaguars' decision-makers struggle to see their prized pick finish games with one catch for 12 yards on 14 routes. Without snap management, his play at corner might deteriorate by December.

Finally, Solak pointed out that the Jaguars already have a strong receiver room, and Hunter wouldn't even be needed until 2027 at the earliest.

Thomas, Meyers and Washington are one of the league's better groups. They all fit nicely with one another (so long as Thomas emerges from his sophomore slump), and they can rotate when the Jaguars go to heavier packages. Washington has only one year left on his deal, and if Hunter is destined for a bigger role in 2027 when Washington departs, let that come in 2027. For now, protect Hunter as he returns to health and finishes his rookie development on the defense, where -- again -- he still has taken only 154 snaps.

All that said, the Jaguars traded up to select Hunter because of his ability to play both cornerback and wide receiver. Throughout the offseason, James Gladstone and Liam Coen have made it clear that he will continue to play both ways.

As many speculate on what the Jaguars should do with Hunter, the team will remain fluid with his usage. How the season unfolds and what the matchup dictates are factors that could impact playing time on either side of the ball.

This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: Analyst outlines ideal role for Travis Hunter with Jaguars

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