Travis Hunter is stepping into the 2025 NFL season with plenty of buzz. After a standout college career where he shined on both sides of the ball, the young wideout is gearing up to become a major weapon in Jacksonville’s offense. Fantasy football managers should pay close attention—Hunter’s poised to shake up draft boards and weekly lineups.
Hunter’s College Brilliance and Transition to the NFL
In 2024, Travis Hunter dazzled at Colorado, pulling double duty as a receiver and defensive back. That kind of two-way talent is rare. He wasn’t just playing—he was excelling. Ranked fourth nationally in receiving yards and third in receptions among college wide receivers, Hunter’s impact was clear. Add to that his top-50 finish in yards per route run, a key stat that signals sharp efficiency and route-running savvy.
Defenses knew he was the guy. Yet Hunter consistently found ways to create separation and make plays in a pass-heavy offense. The Jaguars, eyeing his versatility and skill, grabbed him in the first round of the 2025 draft.
That transition isn’t always smooth. Many college stars take time to find their footing in the NFL’s faster, tighter coverage world. But Hunter’s work ethic and athleticism suggest he’s built for this leap.
Jaguars’ Offensive Shakeup: What Hunter’s Role Looks Like
Jacksonville’s offseason moves give us clues about how they plan to use Hunter. They added Dyami Brown, another wideout with experience, but let go of tight end Evan Engram. This hints at a shift in offensive focus.
Reports suggest Hunter will primarily play receiver, a shift from his college two-way role. Liam Coen, Jacksonville’s offensive coordinator, values creative schemes, and Hunter’s versatility fits that mold.
He’s expected to slot in as the No. 2 receiver behind Brian Thomas Jr., who dominates targets. That means Hunter won’t just soak up garbage-time catches. Instead, he’ll be involved in short-area routes and possibly some trick plays, making him a wild card for defenses and fantasy owners alike.
Coen’s system also favors quick reads and precise routes—perfect for Hunter’s agility and speed. His knack for finding soft spots in zone coverage should translate well to the NFL.
Fantasy Football Implications: Should You Draft Hunter?
Here’s the big question for fantasy players: where does Hunter fit on your draft board?
Given his projected target share and role, experts see him cracking the top 24 wide receivers in standard fantasy formats. That’s significant for a rookie, especially one who’s not the clear No. 1.
Hunter’s value comes from:
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Volume potential as the secondary target
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Usage in creative, high-leverage plays
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Ability to gain yards after catch and convert short passes into big gains
However, there are risks. Transitioning from college cornerback to full-time NFL receiver isn’t a cakewalk. His rapport with QB Trevor Lawrence is still unproven in regular-season play, and defenses will focus more on him as the year progresses.
Still, in leagues where upside matters, Hunter is a worthy pick in the mid to late rounds. In PPR formats, his reception total could give him an edge over bigger but less targeted receivers.
Comparing Hunter to Other Rookies and NFL WRs
To get a clearer picture, let’s see how Hunter stacks up statistically and role-wise against his peers and established pros. The following table summarizes rookie WR projections and targets for the 2025 season:
| Player | Team | Projected Targets | Fantasy WR Rank Projection | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Travis Hunter | Jacksonville Jaguars | 75-85 | Top 24 | No. 2 WR, creative usage |
| Malik Anderson | Dallas Cowboys | 90-100 | Top 15 | Clear No. 1 on team |
| Isaiah Parks | New York Jets | 60-70 | Top 40 | Slot role, fewer deep balls |
| Brian Thomas Jr. | Jacksonville Jaguars | 120+ | Top 5 | Jaguars’ WR1, dominant role |
This snapshot puts Hunter in solid company. He won’t be the team’s primary option, but with solid target volume, he can produce reliably.
What to Watch in 2025: Hunter’s Breakout or Growing Pains?
Every rookie season has surprises. Will Hunter live up to the hype or struggle under the NFL spotlight?
The Jaguars’ offense will be critical. If Trevor Lawrence stays healthy and Coen’s system clicks, Hunter’s upside soars. On the flip side, if defenses clamp down on Jacksonville’s passing game, Hunter might see his production capped.
Also, the bye week (Week 8) timing is something fantasy owners should note. Planning around that can influence lineup decisions.
In the end, Hunter’s blend of skill, opportunity, and system fit makes him an intriguing fantasy option. He’s got the talent and the chance. Whether he turns into a star or a solid contributor will unfold as the season rolls on.
