Jacksonville Jaguars' 2025 season prep heats up as rookie Travis Hunter begins his two-way role. Coach Liam Coen details the plan for the star CB/WR.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
As the Jacksonville Jaguars wrapped up their mandatory minicamp on Thursday, the future of the franchise took a tangible, electrifying shape. While contract talks for No. 2 overall pick Travis Hunter progress smoothly, the real headline was made on the practice field, where for the first time, the rookie phenom began taking reps on both offense and defense, signaling the official start of one of the most anticipated experiments in recent Jaguars history.
'He wants more, and that's a good thing. But ultimately, we have to also protect him from himself at times as well and make sure we get out of this phase healthy.' - Head Coach Liam Coen on Travis Hunter.
The plan that has been buzzed about since draft night is now in motion. During the final minicamp session, Travis Hunter was seen lining up at both cornerback and wide receiver, a sight that sent ripples of excitement through the fanbase. Head Coach Liam Coen confirmed this wasn't just a gimmick, but the blueprint for training camp and the 2025 season. 'We have to be strategic,' Coen mentioned, acknowledging the fine line between utilizing Hunter's unique talent and managing his workload. The challenge, as Coen articulated in his 'Jaguars Happy Hour' appearance, is balancing Hunter's desire to be on the field with the team's need to keep their prized rookie healthy for a long season. This dynamic will be the central storyline to watch when the pads come on in late July.
While Hunter was making plays on the field, his agents and the Jaguars front office were working on the business off of it. According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, negotiations for Hunter's rookie contract are ongoing, with no fear of a potential holdout when training camp arrives. The deal, expected to be worth around $46.5 million over four years with a massive $30 million signing bonus, reflects the significant draft capital the team invested to secure him. This isn't just a contract; it's a statement. The Jaguars are all-in on Hunter as a foundational piece for their future, and getting this deal signed is seen as a formality before the real work begins.
Beyond the Hunter hype, the entire team wrapped up the offseason program radiating confidence. Both Coach Coen and quarterback Trevor Lawrence expressed deep satisfaction with the progress made during OTAs and minicamp. Speaking on the team's 'Jaguars Happy Hour' show, Lawrence highlighted the improved chemistry and energy, noting the smooth integration of new faces and the development of young receivers like Brian Thomas Jr. The coaching staff has successfully fostered an environment of high energy and crisp execution, building a crucial foundation of momentum as the team breaks before the rigors of training camp.
With mandatory minicamp in the rearview mirror, the Jaguars head into their summer break with a clear sense of direction and palpable momentum. The storylines are set for training camp: the formalization of Travis Hunter's historic contract, the implementation of his two-way role in full pads, and Trevor Lawrence's command of a revitalized offense. The foundation has been laid; now, Duuuval waits to see how high this team can build.
