Why the Jaguars Aren’t Giving Up on Travis Hunter Becoming NFL’s Shohei Ohtani The Jacksonville Jaguars remain optimistic about Travis Hunter’s potential to evolve into a dual-threat standout akin to Shohei Ohtani, despite his underwhelming rookie season and the challenges of adapting to the NFL. Hunter, who added 10-12 pounds of muscle during the offseason, is entering his second year with the team as a key piece of their defensive strategy. While his rookie campaign was marred by injury and limited playing time, the Jaguars are adjusting their approach to maximize his strengths and address his shortcomings. Hunter’s 2025 rookie season was cut short when he tore the LCL in his right knee during Week 9 practice, forcing him to miss most of the season. The Jaguars traded an extra first-round pick to select him with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, but his impact was minimal. Over seven games, Hunter recorded 28 catches for 298 yards and one touchdown on offense, while contributing three pass breakups and 15 total tackles on defense. He averaged just 69 snaps per game, with 46 on offense and 23 on defense, reflecting the team’s cautious integration of his unique skill set. Despite his early promise as a two-way playmaker, Hunter’s rookie season ended with him being an afterthought in Jacksonville’s system. The Jaguars had initially envisioned him as a full-time wide receiver with occasional defensive contributions, but his limited playing time and injury concerns led to a shift in strategy. This year, the team is prioritizing his development over immediate production, allowing him to operate in a role that better suits his strengths. Jaguars coach Liam Coen emphasized the team’s focus on giving Hunter the freedom to grow without excessive pressure.#shohei_ohtani #jacksonville_jaguars #travis_hunter #liam_coen #anthony_campanile
