Jaguars Pro Bowler Josh Hines-Allen Has Cautionary Travis Hunter Message originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Travis Hunter has taken the NFL world by storm with his ridiculous two-way talent. The former Colorado Buffaloes star is set to play both cornerback and wide receiver roles in his rookie season with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Hunter charted 96 passes for 1,258 yards, 15 touchdowns and four interceptions while keeping a dual role last season with the Buffaloes, winning the Heisman Trophy. However, it won’t be an easy task in the NFL, where he will go toe-to-toe against the elites.
The 22-year-old needs to balance both offensive and defensive responsibilities while staying healthy in the process. During an episode of “The Rich Eisen Show,” Jaguars defensive end Josh Hines-Allen made a bold statement about Hunter’s dual role.
“I think, I mean, what plagues every NFL player or any professional athlete is injuries,” Hines-Allen said. “If he can stay healthy and take care of his body, get in the hyperbaric machine, then yes, I think he has a great career ahead of him on both sides of the ball.”
“Again, if he is the best DB? Is he the best wide receiver? Who knows. But is he a great playmaker on both sides? Absolutely.”
The two-time Pro Bowler has no doubts about Hunter’s work ethic and talent. He added that the Jaguars have playmakers at both his positions, and the rookie doesn’t have to carry “all that burden” on either side.
“Offensively, we’ve got Brian Thomas Jr., he stepped up last year and did his thing, and we expect the same this year. So, all the burden doesn’t have to fall on Travis. Just catch the ball, make some plays…You’ve got a number one receiver out here who we know is gonna make a lot of plays,” Hines-Allen said.
“On the other side, you go look at corner one, you got Tyson Campbell, who’s been having one of the best camps that I’ve seen him have. So, you have another guy that can travel and can play the offense’s best receiver. The pressure is just for him [Hunter] obviously to stay healthy.”
What has Travis Hunter shown in @Jaguars minicamp thus far that gives belief he can play both ways?@JoshHinesAllen broke down what he’s seen from the dynamic rookie:#NFL#DUUUVALpic.twitter.com/9pyNtf9yLO
— Rich Eisen Show (@RichEisenShow) June 30, 2025
Hunter signed a four-year, $46.65 million contract that includes a fifth-year team option, which the Jaguars can exercise in the spring of 2028. He is the first non-quarterback not drafted first overall to receive his entire signing bonus upfront.
The Jaguars expect a lot from their star rookie. They have given up a significant amount of draft capital to trade up and land him. Jacksonville will need Hunter to step up and combine with their star quarterback, Trevor Lawrence, to take the franchise to the top.
Related: Trevor Lawrence and Travis Hunter’s Building Chemistry in Jaguars Camp
Related: NFL Analyst Questions Travis Hunter’s WR-CB Workload With Jaguars
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 30, 2025, where it first appeared.