From virtual reality simulations to mental reps in the huddle, Travis Hunter is mastering both sides of the ball while recovering from injury to reclaim his dual-threat dominance.
Jacksonville Jaguars CB/WR Travis Hunter isn't a full-go at OTAs this year.
Hunter, whom the Jags selected with the No. 2 overall pick in last year's draft, suffered a season-ending knee injury seven games in and is still recovering from it. But just because Hunter isn't able to fully participate doesn't mean he isn't active.
Quarterback Trevor Lawrence told reporters after Tuesday's practice that Hunter has been in the offensive huddle, acting as a 12th man.
"I think it's all just good for him because he is still a young player," Lawrence told reporters, "and obviously, both sides of the ball, he is learning a lot. So now is a time where he really can just get so much mental work, and in practice, he can watch, and he sees things.
Lawrence also said that Hunter can now see the game from a different angle and pick up things from that.
"You say, ‘Okay, versus Cover 2, I need to take that higher.'" Lawrence said. He just needs to memory bank all those things so that when he is back moving around, he's feeling good, he is flying around, he has it down."
Additionally, the Jaguars have made their virtual meeting room bigger, allowing Hunter to simulate game reps.
Jags coach Liam Coen told reporters that this allows players to "essentially play a game" and cornerbacks are looking at the linebackers, defensive line and opposing offense.
So far, Coen likes how Hunter is handling it.
"I've been very pleased with Travis in that way he looks, his upper body, the way that looks," Coen said. "He runs outside of my office in the mornings and he looks like he's been in the weight room, so I've been very pleased.”
The 2025 season was bittersweet for Hunter.
On the one hand, he got to play in the NFL for the first time and got to be part of a team that went 13-4 and won its division.
On the other hand, he didn't even get to play half the season and thus wasn't competing when the Jags went on their hot streak.
Now, Hunter is one of the Jags' biggest causes for optimism heading into the 2026 season. In an offseason that many feel has been negative for Jacksonville due to All-Pro LB Devin Lloyd leaving for the Carolina Panthers, 1,110-yard rusher Travis Etienne signing with the New Orleans Saints and a draft class that confused many, the return of Hunter is thought to be a bright spot.
It's expected that Hunter will be a full participant come training camp, and when that happens, he's expected to continue to play both ways, which would make him one of the most unique players in the NFL.
But even if Hunter does play receiver, GM James Gladstone has said that Hunter's main area will be cornerback, so that is where we'll probably see the most of him.
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