From Travis Hunter’s transition into a primary shutdown corner to Bhayshul Tuten’s ascent in the backfield, Jacksonville’s rising stars are primed to transform the AFC South landscape.
On Monday, FOX Sports NFL Reporter Greg Auman tagged the 10 players poised for a breakout second season, with two Jacksonville Jaguars gracing the list.
At the No. 1 overall spot was last year's No. 2 overall draft pick, Travis Hunter.
"Hunter's on course to be fully recovered by the start of training camp, and it should be a simpler second season for him. It remains to be seen how much work he'll get on offense — the Jaguars traded for Jakobi Meyers during last season and gave him a lucrative extension, and they've held off on trading third-year receiver Brian Thomas Jr., with Parker Washington enjoying a breakout season last year," Auman said.
"Hunter should be an every-down corner, and that side of the ball should be his focus and the best chance for him to shine," Auman said. "Jacksonville let Greg Newsome leave in free agency and didn't draft a corner, setting Hunter up for a central role."
Hunter recorded 298 receiving yards and one touchdown on 28 receptions along with 15 tackles and three passes defensed before going down with a season-ending knee injury.
This offseason, Hunter's role going forward has been a big topic of discussion, as the former Heisman winner has refuted claims that he will be featured mostly on the defensive side of the ball.
However, as Auman illustrated, the Jaguars' wide receiver room continues to become more established, leaving Hunter's role on offense as a bit of a question mark.
In January, Jaguars general manager James Gladstone said Hunter will return to his two-way role when healthy, however, likely taking a larger defensive role.
"We still expect him to play on both sides of the ball," Gladstone said. "Corner is a position that we have a few guys who are on expiring contracts. By default, you can expect there to be a higher emphasis on (Hunter's) placement."
For Hunter, a lessened offensive role may be a blessing in disguise, keeping him healthy and out of harms way.
Time will tell for the two-way specialist, but Hunter's unique playmaking ability should allow him to tap into his potential in his second season as a professional.
The second Jaguars player on the list is running back Bhayshul Tuten, who Auman projects having a "much larger role" following the departure of longtime lead back Travis Etienne.
After Week 1 of last season, Jacksonville traded Tank Bigsby to the Philadelphia Eagles, opening up a larger role for Tuten.
The former Virginia Tech Hokie recorded 83 carries for 307 yards and five touchdowns, adding an additional 79 yards and two scores via the receiving game.
His most productive outing of the season came against the Los Angeles Chargers, rushing for 74 yards and a score in a dominating 35-6 victory.
Entering this season, Tuten will likely be the lead back, splitting carries with fellow second-year back LeQuint Allen Jr. and newly acquired Chris Rodriguez Jr.
Both Hunter and Tuten have big opportunities to establish themselves as difference makers going forward this season.
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