Of all the promising rookies in the NFL this season, arguably the most intriguing one this side of Shedeur Sanders is Sanders’ former University of Colorado teammate Travis Hunter.
In college, Hunter played both wide receiver and cornerback, and some questioned whether he would continue to play on both sides of the ball in the pros. In his NFL debut on Sunday, the Jacksonville Jaguars rookie played a considerable number of offensive snaps, as well as a handful of snaps on defense.
He was rather quiet, however, as he made six catches but only logged 33 yards to go along with one tackle in a 26-10 win over the Carolina Panthers. He said afterward that he can perform better than he did.
“I did my job,” said Hunter, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft. “That was the main focus. I did what they asked me to do. I know I can do more and I know I can do better.”
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Last year, Hunter caught 96 passes for 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns while also recording 11 passes defended and four interceptions for the Buffaloes. He has ample speed, and his 6-foot-1 frame makes him a decent target on offense.
Hunter had two 10-yard catches in the first half, but he didn’t have any receptions for over 10 yards. Still, Jacksonville quarterback Trevor Lawrence likes what he has seen from the rookie.
“He was great. Had some big catches, obviously,” Lawrence said. “He’s a weapon for us, and he’s going to continue to get better and better. He’s a matchup in space, great with the ball in his hands. Could have more out there. I felt like I could have gave him a few more opportunities with some of the ones I missed.”
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Jacksonville has an intriguing roster with Hunter, Brian Thomas Jr. and newcomer Tim Patrick as its main threats at wideout, plus Travis Etienne as its starting running back and Tank Bigsby as the backup.
There are questions about whether Lawrence, 25, can become a true franchise quarterback and live up to the five-year, $275 million contract extension he signed last year. But there is no doubt that having Hunter on his side will help.
Lawrence went 19 of 31 for 178 yards, one touchdown and one interception on Sunday. Last season, he threw for 2,045 yards, 11 touchdowns and seven interceptions after going over 4,000 yards with a 65% completion rate during the previous two seasons.
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