Travis Hunter Impresses in Dual Threat NFL Debut

Travis Hunter faced nerves before his preseason NFL action for the Jaguars, playing both wide receiver and cornerback in a loss to the Steelers.

Travis Hunter Impresses in Dual Threat NFL Debut

Travis Hunter faced pregame jitters before his first NFL action. In the Jaguars 31-25 preseason loss to the Steelers on Saturday, the No. 2 overall pick played both sides of the ball, logging 10 snaps on offense at wide receiver and eight on defense at cornerback. He caught two passes for 9 yards. After the game, Hunter said he was nervous at first but settled once the action began. Coach Liam Coen noted that Hunter made the right decisions on the option routes and showed offensively that he could process plays, while also acknowledging a defensive misstep that included a missed tackle and some early confusion on a call.

Hunter’s debut spotlights a growing NFL trend: teams value players who can contribute on both sides of the ball. That versatility can open creative packages and roster flexibility, but it also raises questions about workload and long-term development. Even with encouraging signs, a single preseason game is a shallow sample. The Jaguars will need clear coaching and a disciplined plan to preserve Hunter’s conditioning and focus as he expands his responsibilities.

The moment also underscores how scrutiny follows top picks into the NFL. If Hunter can translate the nerves into consistency and quick adjustments, Jacksonville gains a high-end multi-purpose weapon. If not, the same dual role that excites teams could become a speed bump in his growth. Either way, the story now moves from jitters to tape and progress, which will define his early impact on the field.

Highlights

The road from a preseason debut to a regular role is earned day by day