The Jacksonville Jaguars made the splash of the draft, trading up from 5th overall to 2nd overall, taking wide receiver/ cornerback Travis Hunter. The Heisman winner from Colorado will likely play more wide receiver while taking time to develop some as a corner. But this is exciting for fantasy owners, as Liam Coen pairs Brian Thomas Jr. with another stud prospect at receiver for Trevor Lawrence.
While some may think this team needs a cornerback more on the roster, Coen announced they plan on using Hunter as a wide receiver first, then slowly acclimate him to defensive back rooms to then potentially play a few snaps at corner. This was a great pairing, as the Jags had a big need opposite Thomas Jr. after shipping off Christian Kirk to in-division Houston Texans. Evan Engram (now on the Denver Broncos) is also no longer on the team, opening a vacant space for more targets.
Although they did sign Dynami Brown in free agency, he is more of a third or fourth option. Gabe Davis might not be on the team by the time August comes around, as he was overpaid by the last regime. Hunter immediately comes in and is a factor for Jacksonville to start out as their number two pass-catching weapon.
This will be interesting for fantasy, as he will likely play both ways eventually, but will be offense-focused.
Travis Hunter to the Jacksonville Jaguars, Pick 2
While there are definite downsides if he plays cornerback, even at a 20%-30% rate, I am more optimistic on Hunter’s fantasy outlook with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Even more so than receiver Tetairoa McMillan, who was picked 8th by the Panthers. However, in Fantasy Pro’s redraft PPR rankings, they are way more down on Hunter than I am, having McMillan 51, while having Hunter 82. That is pretty crazy to me due to competition in Carolina for targets, but potentially it could be a durability concern with less of an opportunity to score week to week.
However, I will spin it in a positive way, as Coen was one of the big components to Chris Godwin‘s monster 2024 season in the slot before injuries derailed a potentially great fantasy year. Out of the slot, Godwin in seven games had five touchdowns, 50 catches for 576 yards, and was averaging seven catches a game.
The former Colorado Buffalo at 6’0″ and 188 pounds will likely play in the slot or rotate with Brown on the opposite side of Thomas Jr., who is their potential version of “Mike Evans” in this offense. With Brenton Strange mainly at tight end, Parker Washington as their other receiver, along with veteran Davis, there is enough potential usage to go around for Hunter to make an impact.
In Colorado, Hunter had 1,152 yards, 92 receptions on 120 targets, 14 touchdowns, and averaged 96 yards per game. The 21-year-old fits this situation way more than Cleveland if they picked him at two instead of trading out. The Browns’ quarterback option was also a way worse situation than what the Jaguars have currently, with the consistency of Lawrence at the very least and a proven play caller with Coen.
This is mainly due to potential schemed-up touches and plays that could give Hunter more big-play potential and red zone looks than expected. The hope is that Lawrence can have an instant rapport with him and utilize his skillset as an elite separator and shifty route runner who has reliable hands.
The last potential bonus is that Jacksonville had one of the worst defenses in the NFL last year. If it is still not above average again in 2025, Coen and Lawrence will look to outscore teams in order to win games. Whether or not that ends in wins, this will benefit the passing game and Hunter ultimately in the potential attempts he will get, hopefully on offense specifically and not on defense. But all signs point to offense first, and then defense mixed in eventually for the Biletnikoff and Bednarik Dual-Award winner in 2024.
Travis Hunter Fantasy Impact for the Jags in 2025
In dynasty, picking Hunter could have more variance than Los Angeles Chargers rookie running back Omarion Hampton or McMillan, who were taken after Las Vegas Raiders rookie running back Ashton Jeanty. However, in redraft, PPR over half-PPR and standard, could get consistent volume and more schemed-up looks than people expect. While Thomas Jr. will look to continue his success in his second year, I think Lawrence and Coen will try to get their superstar player the ball as much as possible, and there is enough volume to go around.
It is still a wait-and-see, as Hunter could be a flex option or wide receiver three to take a gamble on in redraft fantasy football leagues. However, it could be a week-to-week matchup-based thing, as this is a unicorn of a player that can play both ways. We just won’t know what the split will be till the regular season starts.
