Managing Travis Hunter’s Role in Jacksonville
The Jacksonville Jaguars are treading carefully with Travis Hunter, the dual-threat rookie from Colorado. As he embarks on his NFL journey, the team recognizes the challenges of balancing his responsibilities as both a cornerback and wide receiver. To avoid overwhelming him, Jaguars offensive coordinator Liam Coen has made the decision to limit Hunter’s offensive duties.
Clarifying Hunter’s Position
When asked about Hunter’s potential to fill in for the injured Dyami Brown, Coen was clear. Hunter will focus exclusively on the ‘F’ receiver role this season, sidelining any responsibilities at the ‘Z’ or ‘X’ positions. Instead, Brown’s snaps will transition to Parker Washington, as confirmed by fantasy analyst Josh Norris. This decision underscores the team’s commitment to easing Hunter into the NFL, ensuring he can excel without being stretched too thin.
Fantasy Football Considerations
For fantasy football managers, this news may come as a disappointment. Hunter’s production has already seen a decline over the first three weeks of the season. Initially, he garnered eight targets in Week 1, resulting in six catches for 33 yards. However, his targets dwindled to six in Week 2 and then further to just two in Week 3, with his reception count dropping accordingly.
His offensive snap count reflected a similar trend. After playing 42 snaps in each of the first two weeks, Hunter’s involvement decreased to 37 in Week 3. Conversely, his defensive snap count has surged. After just six snaps on defense in Week 1, he ramped up to 43 in both Weeks 2 and 3. This shift is largely due to injuries in the cornerback position, necessitating Hunter’s increased participation on that side of the ball.
Careful Development Ahead
Given the circumstances, the Jaguars appear to have faith in Hunter’s ability to juggle his dual roles in the NFL. However, they are mindful of not overloading him too quickly. While it might be tempting for fantasy owners to make drastic decisions regarding his roster spot, Hunter is still a valuable asset to keep on the bench for now.
As the season progresses, the Jaguars’ management of Hunter’s responsibilities will be pivotal in shaping his development. The franchise is committed to ensuring that he can thrive in the professional landscape without facing undue pressure from the outset.
