Travis Hunter Devotes Practice to Defense as Jaguars Plan 2026 Role

During Jacksonville Jaguars training camp, rookie wide receiver-cornerback Travis Hunter took no offensive snaps on Monday, concentrating exclusively on defense. He logged 20 defensive snaps and a single special-teams snap, a shift described by the team as intentional preparation for the 2026 NFL season.

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Hunter entered the league as the 2025 No. 2 overall pick, splitting time between wide receiver and cornerback in his rookie year. After seven games, a torn lateral collateral ligament (LCL) suffered in practice ended his season. Prior to the injury, he recorded 28 receptions for 298 yards and one touchdown, while also posting three passes defended and 15 tackles on defense.

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• 20 defensive snaps, 1 special-teams snap, 0 offensive snaps (Monday practice)

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• Rookie totals: 28 catches, 298 receiving yards, 1 touchdown

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• Defensive rookie stats: 3 passes defended, 15 tackles

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• Injury: torn LCL, season-ending after seven games

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Hunter explained that the defensive-only workload was “definitely beneficial” for shaking off rust and improving his footwork. He emphasized a focus on preventing catches and sharpening his defensive technique as the Jaguars shape his role for the upcoming season.

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• “It was definitely beneficial. I needed to knock the rust off,” — Travis Hunter

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