

Travis Hunter hasn’t been in Jacksonville long, but the noise around him is already deafening.
The former Colorado standout joined the Jaguars just days after earning his degree and immediately stepped into the offseason grind. A pair of minicamp practices and limited workouts were all it took for critics to pounce.
Viral videos surfaced showing Hunter missteps during route running and catching passes against his body, sparking online skepticism about the Jaguars‘ ambitious plans for their two-way rookie.
NFL Rookie Watch fanned the flames by sharing harsh fan commentary. One user wrote, “Generational they said… and yet he seems as average as any receiver that has come & gone.”
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Another joked, “He purposely being bad so they finally put him with the DBs.” The chatter, though premature, reflects how quickly the NFL spotlight can turn from praise to doubt-especially when a player dares to be different.
Jaguars brass stand firm on Hunter’s promise
Inside the team facility, the narrative is completely different. Jacksonville Executive VP Tony Boselli, a former All-Pro lineman, praised Hunter for more than just his on-field athleticism.
“He’s exceeded my expectations,” Boselli said on NFL Network. “You see the athlete on the field, you see how he moves, the change of direction, the body control, but it’s the person that I’m most enamored with… he’s a tireless worker.”
While Hunter‘s technique as a wide receiver still needs refinement, it’s important to note that he was the only player practicing without gloves in those viral clips-suggesting he’s still adjusting to NFL timing and chemistry, not showcasing his final form.
Defensively, there’s no ambiguity about his value. Per Pro Football Focus, Hunter ranked second among corners taken in the 2024 draft with a coverage grade of 90.3. He allowed just 23 receptions, 222 yards, and one touchdown across the entire college season. Overall, he was the seventh-highest graded corner nationally.
The Jaguars see him not as a curiosity but a foundation piece. They’ve made it clear that they’re not just allowing his two-way ambitions-they’re planning around them.
Patrick Peterson weighs in on the two-way challenge
Eight-time Pro Bowler Patrick Peterson, speaking on Cam Newton‘s “4th and 1” podcast, acknowledged the steep path Hunter faces in trying to be both an NFL corner and wideout.
“How he’s going to be able to have all of his attention in both places… that’s going to be the trickiest part,” Peterson said. “It’s going to be a game plan every single week.”
Still, Peterson isn’t ready to doubt him. “I don’t want to put a cap on Travis… he’s going to be in a classroom more. But if anyone can do it, it’s him.”
For now, Travis Hunter remains a work in progress-under scrutiny but far from overwhelmed. He’s not chasing clout. He’s chasing something far more difficult: NFL greatness on both sides of the ball.
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