An anonymous Power 4 college football assistant coach heaped praise on Travis Hunter after he went second overall to the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2025 NFL draft last month. According to ESPN's Adam Rittenberg, the coach gushed about Hunter's ball skills, saying: "Travis is like the rubberband man. He understands football, knows routes off splits, ball skills are out of this world.
His ball skills are the best I've ever seen. His endurance is what's really crazy." Hunter made a name for himself during his two seasons at the University of Colorado, excelling on both sides of the ball as a wide receiver and cornerback.
He was especially dominant last season, finishing with 96 receptions for 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns, plus 36 tackles, four interceptions and 11 passes defended en route to winning the Heisman Trophy. While the Tennessee Titans addressed their need for a franchise quarterback by taking Miami's Cam Ward with the first overall pick, it seemed like a foregone conclusion that Hunter would go second overall due to his status as arguably the best all-around player in the draft. Although that is what happened, it included a twist, as the Jaguars struck a deal with the Cleveland Browns, trading up from No.
5 to No. 2 to secure Hunter. Hunter's abilities are undeniable, but the big question relates to how he will be utilized at the next level.
While it sounds like plans are in place for Hunter to play both wideout and corner, it may be a slow and steady process. Jags general manager James Gladstone told ESPN (h/t Pro Football Talk's Michael David Smith) that Hunter will primarily focus on the offensive playbook first before taking on more defensive responsibilities, saying: "His intent is on playing both sides of the ball, as is ours. When it comes to his onboarding process we’ll give him a heavy dose of offense, and sprinkle in the defensive side of the ball, knowing that by the time we get to the regular season, those should be balanced out.
But that’s the initial onboarding plan as it stands today." Jacksonville gave up a haul in order to land Hunter, parting with the No. 5 overall pick this year and a first-round pick next year as part of the deal.
