Travis Hunter, the rookie wide receiver and cornerback for the Jaguars, had a breakout performance during Monday night’s game against the Chiefs. He recorded a career-high of 64 receiving yards, catching all three passes thrown to him. This included a pivotal 44-yard catch that contributed to a Jaguars touchdown in the third quarter.
Offensive Contributions
Hunter’s offensive performance marked a significant improvement over his previous games. Before this game, he averaged under 30 receiving yards per game. His catches included:
- A 44-yard reception to set up a touchdown.
- A 12-yard catch that secured a first down on second-and-11.
- An eight-yard catch on third-and-13 that contributed to a 52-yard field goal position.
This game also saw him achieve two first downs, a notable increase compared to his previous total of three first downs across four games.
Defensive Role and Snap Count
While Hunter shone offensively, his role on defense remained limited. He participated in 39% of defensive snaps, maintaining the same average as in the first four games of the season. Hunter is one of the few players in the NFL who plays meaningful roles on both offense and defense, unlike others who have limited participation outside of their primary positions.
Comparative Performance
Despite his dual-threat capability, Hunter has yet to meet the expectations typically associated with being the No. 2 overall draft pick. Comparatively, other players drafted in 2025, such as Carolina’s Tetairoa McMillan and Tampa Bay’s Emeka Egbuka, have outperformed him in terms of catches and yardage this season.
Future Expectations
The Jaguars traded significant assets, including the No. 5 pick in the 2025 NFL draft and a first-round pick in 2026, to select Hunter. While he delivered an improved performance against the Chiefs, the team will require more consistent contributions from him. His current impact does not fully justify the investment made in acquiring him.
