The decision to switch Travis Hunter to a full-time cornerback and part-time receiver has been greeted with mixed reactions. Yankee Scores explores the reasons behind the switch.
Offensive Hunter
He played 323 offensive snaps in his rookie season and only 162 on defense for Jacksonville Jaguars . The plan is for those roles to be reversed and skewed even more heavily toward his role as a cornerback.
For fans who watched Hunter in London, this change may raise an eyebrow.
He posted eight catches for 101 yards and his first career touchdown in Week 7 against the Los Angeles Rams.
That outing was his last. It was due to a non-contact knee injury in practice days later that prematurely ended his season. The display made the case for Hunter as a genuine offensive weapon.
Injuries to other receivers created the opportunity. However, Hunter’s performance suggested he was more than capable of becoming a dynamic outlet for quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
Why Fulltime Cornerback
The move is not an indictment of Hunter’s performance as a receiver. It’s a decision based on the Jacksonville depth chart.
At wideout, Brian Thomas Jr., for all his troubles with drops early last year, is a WR1 when he’s on his game.
Behind him, Parker Washington emerged as a real difference-maker, and Jakobi Meyers made an immediate impact after arriving at the trade deadline.
The cornerback room is slightly thinner. Montaric Brown signed an extension. Slot cornerback Jourdan Lewis remains in place. And Jarrian Jones showed improvement, but a replacement – and upgrade – for Greg Newsome was needed.
Injury Update
The positional news came alongside an encouraging injury update. Jaguars GM James Gladstone said Hunter is expected to be a full participant by training camp, describing him as a limited participant through the offseason programme with full health expected by late July.
Hunter suffered a torn LCL in October and missed the entire second half of the season. His surgery took place in early November, with the original six-month timeline putting him on track for a full return in May.
What does the Switch Portend for Jaguars?
Hunter will almost certainly see offensive snaps in specific packages. Even with a reduced offensive role, his presence alone is likely to force defensive adjustments given his ability to make explosive plays.
But his primary job – assuming injuries don’t throw a spanner in the works – is now cornerback, where he has the rare traits and athleticism to excel as a potential shutdown corner.
