Hunter, the second overall pick in last year’s draft, missed most of his rookie season due to an LCL tear after seven games. Despite the injury, he has shown elite athleticism and production on both sides of the ball, including a Heisman-winning college season that featured over 1,000 offensive snaps and four interceptions on defense.
NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported that Hunter would become more of a defensive player, prompting a public response from Hunter on social media. Hunter asserted that the reported shift was not settled and questioned who provided the information, signaling his desire to continue contributing as a two-way player.
The Jaguars’ leadership faces the challenge of balancing Hunter’s long-term health with his unique versatility. While a one-sided role could help protect him from overuse, his talent and former two-way success argue for preserving opportunities on both offense and defense where feasible.
With OTAs and training camp approaching, all eyes will be on how Jacksonville integrates Hunter into practices and game plans. If he can maintain durability, the possibility remains that he could contribute significantly on both sides of the ball in his second NFL season.
Hunter’s path will likely hinge on his knee’s recovery and the team’s strategic priorities. As he returns to full participation, evaluators will watch how he handles positional drills, workload management, and the durability required to sustain a dual-role workload at the professional level.
