Liam Coen Teases Travis Hunter’s Expanded Role with Jacksonville Jaguars

As the Jacksonville Jaguars put the finishing touches on their 2025 offensive game plan, offensive coordinator Liam Coen has dropped a notable hint about one player’s growing importance: second-year wide receiver Travis Hunter is in line for an expanded role that will see him take on more snaps, more diverse assignments, and a bigger share of the team’s passing targets. Hunter, a first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, showed flashes of potential in his rookie season—hauling in 45 receptions for 523 yards and three touchdowns—but was often limited to slot receiver duties behind veterans Calvin Ridley and Christian Kirk. Now, with Coen entering his second year leading the Jaguars’ offense, the coordinator says Hunter’s versatility and offseason growth have earned him a chance to shine in a more dynamic role. Liam Coen Teases Travis Hunter’s Expanded Role with Jacksonville Jaguars isn’t just a preseason talking point; it’s a sign that the Jaguars are ready to lean into their young playmaker to take their offense to the next level.

Coen’s tease of Hunter’s expanded role comes with specific details about how the Jaguars plan to utilize the 22-year-old receiver, focusing on his ability to play multiple positions and create mismatches. Unlike his rookie year, when he lined up in the slot for 82% of his snaps, Hunter has been taking reps at all three receiver spots during training camp—outside left, outside right, and slot—giving Coen the flexibility to move him around based on the defense’s alignment. “Travis can beat corners off the line whether he’s inside or outside, and his ability to adjust to off-target passes makes him a reliable target no matter where we put him,” Coen explained in a recent press conference. The coordinator also noted that Hunter will be more involved in the Jaguars’ run game, serving as a lead blocker on certain plays and even taking handoffs in gadget packages—something he did sparingly in college at Colorado but has honed during offseason workouts. This positional flexibility is key to Coen’s scheme, which relies on keeping defenses guessing and exploiting weak links in coverage. Liam Coen Teases Travis Hunter’s Expanded Role with Jacksonville Jaguars is built on the idea that Hunter’s versatility can unlock new dimensions of the Jaguars’ offense.

A major factor in Hunter’s expanded role is his offseason development, which has addressed the weaknesses that held him back as a rookie. Coen highlighted two key areas of growth: route precision and strength. As a rookie, Hunter occasionally struggled with crisp route-running, leading to missed connections with quarterback Trevor Lawrence. This offseason, he worked with Jaguars wide receivers coach Sanjay Lal on refining his cuts and timing, using video study to compare his routes to those of NFL stars like Davante Adams. The result? Coen says Hunter’s route-running grade in camp drills has jumped from 68 (rookie year) to 85, making him a more reliable target in tight coverage. Hunter also added 12 pounds of muscle, increasing his strength to handle physical press coverage from cornerbacks and contribute more as a blocker. In a recent scrimmage, Hunter showcased this growth, beating Pro Bowl cornerback Shaquill Griffin off the line for a 30-yard reception and later blocking a linebacker to spring running back Travis Etienne Jr. for a 15-yard gain. Liam Coen Teases Travis Hunter’s Expanded Role with Jacksonville Jaguars is a reward for Hunter’s dedication to improving his craft.

For the Jacksonville Jaguars, Hunter’s expanded role is about more than just giving a young player more snaps—it’s about creating a more balanced and unpredictable offense that can challenge the tough defenses in the AFC South. With Ridley and Kirk still drawing the attention of opposing teams’ top corners, moving Hunter around will force defenses to make tough choices: Do they assign their third corner to Hunter, leaving a backup to cover a slot receiver? Or do they shift a safety to help, opening up the run game for Etienne and Tank Bigsby? The Jacksonville Jaguars saw early success with this approach in a preseason practice against the Miami Dolphins, where Coen lined Hunter up outside against a backup corner, leading to a 40-yard touchdown pass from Lawrence. This mismatch potential is critical in a division where the Jaguars face teams like the Indianapolis Colts (with a top-10 pass defense in 2024) and the Houston Texans (who added star safety Jalen Pitre in free agency). By expanding Hunter’s role, the Jacksonville Jaguars are ensuring they have more weapons to counter these tough defenses. Liam Coen Teases Travis Hunter’s Expanded Role with Jacksonville Jaguars is a strategic move to keep the team’s offense ahead of the curve.

Hunter’s expanded role also aligns with the Jacksonville Jaguars’ long-term plan to build around young, core talent. Lawrence, Etienne, and Hunter are all 25 or younger, forming a young nucleus that the team hopes will lead them to sustained success. By giving Hunter more responsibility now, the Jacksonville Jaguars are accelerating his development, preparing him to take on a larger role when veterans like Ridley (who is entering the final year of his contract) potentially move on. Coen emphasized this long-term vision, saying, “We’re not just thinking about 2025—we’re building an offense that can compete for championships for years, and Travis is a big part of that.” The Jacksonville Jaguars have also seen intangible benefits from Hunter’s growing role: his energy and work ethic have inspired other young players, and his chemistry with Lawrence has improved dramatically during camp. The quarterback and receiver now spend extra time after practice working on timing drills, a bond that translates directly to on-field success. Liam Coen Teases Travis Hunter’s Expanded Role with Jacksonville Jaguars is a step toward securing the team’s offensive future.

Looking ahead, the Jacksonville Jaguars will use the preseason to fine-tune Hunter’s expanded role, with Coen planning to give him significant snaps in all three receiver spots during their three preseason games. The team’s first preseason matchup against the Chicago Bears will be a key test, as Hunter will likely face a mix of starters and backups, giving Coen a chance to see how he performs in real-game situations. If Hunter lives up to the hype, Coen says he could finish the 2025 season with 70+ receptions, 800+ yards, and 6+ touchdowns—numbers that would make him one of the top young receivers in the NFL. For the Jacksonville Jaguars, Hunter’s success isn’t just about individual stats; it’s about creating a more dynamic offense that can outscore opponents in the high-scoring AFC. As Coen put it, “When you have a player like Travis who can do it all, you don’t keep him on the sidelines—you let him play, and you watch him make plays.” Liam Coen Teases Travis Hunter’s Expanded Role with Jacksonville Jaguars is a preview of what could be a breakout season for both Hunter and the Jaguars’ offense.