Travis Hunter Switches to Cornerback in Jacksonville Jaguars’ Rotation

In the NFL, positional flexibility is a valuable asset—one that can turn a talented player into a strategic weapon for a team. For the Jacksonville Jaguars, that flexibility is on full display this offseason with the announcement that Travis Hunter will switch from wide receiver to cornerback in the team’s defensive rotation. Hunter, a second-year player drafted by the Jaguars in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft out of Colorado, showcased elite athleticism and ball skills during his rookie season as a reserve wide receiver, but the team’s depth at that position and a pressing need in the secondary led coaches to explore a position change. The move isn’t just a experiment; it’s a calculated decision to leverage Hunter’s unique talents—speed, agility, and a knack for reading plays—to strengthen a Jaguars defense that ranked 18th in pass yards allowed last season. As training camp gets underway, all eyes are on Hunter to see if he can make the seamless transition from offense to defense, a shift that could redefine his career and boost the Jaguars’ playoff hopes. For a team looking to solidify its secondary, Travis Hunter Switches to Cornerback in Jacksonville Jaguars’ Rotation is more than a roster tweak—it’s a potential game-changer for the defense.

Travis Hunter Switches to Cornerback in Jacksonville Jaguars’ Rotation comes after a rookie season that hinted at Hunter’s untapped potential on the defensive side of the ball. As a wide receiver in 2024, Hunter appeared in 14 games, catching 12 passes for 156 yards and one touchdown, but he often found himself buried on the depth chart behind established playmakers like Calvin Ridley and Christian Kirk. However, it was during special teams reps that coaches first noticed his defensive instincts: Hunter recorded two interceptions in practice scrimmages when filling in for injured cornerbacks, using his experience as a receiver to anticipate routes and jump passes. His physical tools—he ran a 4.39-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine and has a 38-inch vertical leap—also align perfectly with the traits of a top-tier cornerback. Jaguars defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell noted, “Travis has all the skills you want in a cornerback—he can run with the fastest receivers, he knows how to track the ball, and he’s not afraid to make a tackle.” The decision to switch Hunter wasn’t made overnight; coaches spent months analyzing film of his college days (where he played both receiver and cornerback at Colorado) and working with him on basic defensive techniques before greenlighting the move.

A closer look at Hunter’s skill set reveals why the Jaguars are confident he can thrive at cornerback. As a wide receiver, Hunter developed a deep understanding of route concepts—something that gives him a unique advantage when defending against them. He knows how receivers set up defenders, where they look for soft spots in coverage, and how to anticipate breaks in routes—knowledge that translates directly to reading a quarterback’s intentions from the cornerback position. His speed allows him to keep up with even the league’s fastest wideouts, like the Indianapolis Colts’ Alec Pierce or the Houston Texans’ Nico Collins, while his 6-foot-1 frame gives him the size to contest jump balls. During offseason workouts, Hunter has focused on refining defensive-specific skills: backpedaling technique, hand placement to avoid penalties, and tackling form—areas where he’s shown rapid improvement. Coaches have been particularly impressed with his ball skills, a holdover from his offensive days; he’s already recorded three interceptions in training camp drills, including a one-handed pickoff of quarterback Trevor Lawrence during a team scrimmage. This combination of offensive experience and defensive growth makes Hunter a rare commodity, one that could disrupt opposing passing games in the AFC South.

A key factor behind Travis Hunter Switches to Cornerback in Jacksonville Jaguars’ Rotation is the Jaguars’ urgent need to deepen their cornerback corps. The Jacksonville Jaguars entered the offseason with significant turnover in the secondary, losing starting cornerbacks Darious Williams and Tyson Campbell to free agency. While they signed veteran Patrick Peterson to fill one starting spot, the other spot and reserve roles remained up for grabs, with young players like Montaric Brown and rookie Kelee Ringo still developing. Hunter’s switch provides much-needed competition and depth, giving coaches the option to use him in nickel packages, as a slot cornerback, or even as a rotational outside cornerback. The Jaguars’ defense relies on a mix of man-to-man and zone coverage, and Hunter’s ability to adapt to both schemes—thanks to his football IQ—makes him a versatile addition. For the Jacksonville Jaguars, the move also mitigates risk: if Hunter struggles at cornerback, his experience as a receiver gives the team the flexibility to move him back to offense, ensuring they don’t waste his talent. This safety net, combined with the potential reward of a dynamic new cornerback, made the position switch a no-brainer for coaches.

Another critical aspect of Travis Hunter Switches to Cornerback in Jacksonville Jaguars’ Rotation is the impact Hunter’s presence will have on the rest of the Jaguars’ secondary. The Jacksonville Jaguars’ defensive backs room features a mix of veterans and rookies, with Peterson serving as a mentor to the younger players. Hunter’s arrival adds a new dynamic—his background as a receiver allows him to offer unique insights during film study, explaining how receivers think and react in certain situations. For example, he’s already helped Ringo, a rookie cornerback, learn how to anticipate route combinations by walking him through the receiver’s thought process. On the field, Hunter’s speed and aggressiveness have pushed other cornerbacks to elevate their game; Brown, who was competing for a reserve spot, has stepped up his practice performance to keep pace with Hunter. Defensive backs coach Deshea Townsend noted, “Travis has brought a new energy to the room—he’s asking questions, working hard, and making everyone around him better.” For the Jacksonville Jaguars, this competitive environment isn’t just about finding a new cornerback; it’s about building a stronger, more cohesive secondary that can handle the tough pass offenses in the AFC South.

As the regular season approaches, Travis Hunter Switches to Cornerback in Jacksonville Jaguars’ Rotation remains one of the most intriguing storylines for the Jaguars. For the Jacksonville Jaguars, Hunter’s success at cornerback could be the missing piece in a defense that’s close to being elite—one that can complement a high-powered offense led by Trevor Lawrence. Early signs from training camp are promising: Hunter has earned reps with the second-team defense in nickel packages, and he made his first preseason appearance at cornerback against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, recording three tackles and breaking up one pass. While there will be growing pains—he’s still learning the nuances of NFL defenses and adjusting to the physicality of covering receivers on every down—his work ethic and natural talent have coaches and fans optimistic. Hunter himself has embraced the challenge, saying, “I just want to help the team win, whether that’s catching passes or breaking them up. This switch is a new opportunity, and I’m going to make the most of it.” In the end, Travis Hunter Switches to Cornerback in Jacksonville Jaguars’ Rotation is more than a position change; it’s a testament to the Jaguars’ creativity and Hunter’s versatility—a combination that could lead to a breakout season for both the player and the team’s defense.