Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence smiled when discussing rookie cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter at his Monday news conference.
“Got a lot of juice, like he can run all day,” Lawrence said of Hunter on the first day of OTAs. “A lot of energy. I love it. Good energy. Always dapping guys up, just bringing juice every day. Like I said, high motor. Can just go. It’s like a kid [who] just runs around all day. He doesn’t get tired, it seems like.”
That abundant amount of energy helped Hunter win the 2024 Heisman Trophy. In 13 games, he caught 96 passes for 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns. On defense, he recorded four interceptions and 11 passes defended.
The fifth-year QB thinks Hunter’s success at the college level could translate to the NFL.
“As far as just talent, it just kind of speaks for itself,” Lawrence said. “Ball skills, run after the catch, he’s very explosive. Just didn’t realize how explosive he was in and out of cuts. He’s impressive to watch.”
Hunter — the second pick of the 2025 NFL Draft — plans to continue playing both ways in the NFL, but the Jaguars are having him learn offense first. They likely want more reliable pass-catchers for Lawrence.
This offseason, the Jaguars released WR Gabe Davis and traded WR Christian Kirk to the Houston Texans. Last season, they combined for 47 receptions for 618 yards and three touchdown catches.
Jaguars WR Brian Thomas Jr. could face more double-teams after breaking out during his rookie season. In 17 games last season, he had 87 receptions for 1,282 yards and 10 touchdown catches. Outside of Thomas, no Jaguar finished with more than 411 receiving yards.
A lack of weapons is one key reason Lawrence, the No. 1 pick of the 2021 draft, hasn’t met expectations in his first five seasons. Although he has made one Pro Bowl, he has a 22-38 starting record in the regular season.
Lawrence and Hunter developing chemistry could help the Jaguars win more games, which would give the QB more reasons to smile.
