Travis Hunter's camp-tracker shows a two-way rookie making waves with Jacksonville. He logged a camp-high 27 plays on offense and defense, including four receptions, two of them on clean outs from Trevor Lawrence. Workload has expanded across practices, moving from single-side reps to a genuine dual-role presence.

In team periods, Hunter totaled 20 offensive snaps (4 targets, 4 receptions) and 7 defensive snaps. Preseason against Pittsburgh added 10 offensive snaps with 2 catches for 9 yards and 8 defensive snaps, with Dawuane Smoot’s left-edge pressure producing a sack on one play. The Jaguars are clearly testing how far Hunter can stretch both ways before the season.

Fantasy managers should watch how the role evolves. If Jacksonville keeps rotating him into gadget looks and cross-training him, his upside could creep higher even as Kirk and Jones anchor the primary receiving corps. The early signals are promising, but meaningful lineup value will hinge on continued usage in practice and the preseason grind.

Trevor Lawrence led Jacksonville’s first-team offense on a crisp opening drive in the 31-25 loss to Pittsburgh, delivering quick decisions and accurate throws, though a hospital-ball glance route to Brian Thomas Jr. exposed timing concerns with Etienne’s route and contact on Thomas. Lawrence’s day was otherwise efficient, with the starting unit keeping him clean and letting receivers make plays after the catch.

Across the backfield, Etienne and Tank Bigsby showed complementary skill sets. Etienne flashed as a receiver, hauling in a 10-yard catch and breaking tackles, while Bigsby added a cutback burst and solid run-after-contact—despite some red-zone misses and a dropped third-down attempt. The line and run-blocking arc supported two early drives, and Monheim and Fortner anchored the left side with solid blocks.

The Jaguars’ pass defense faced issues as Tyson Campbell was beat on the opening drive, but the unit improved with Hunter at corner and Smoot pressuring the edge. Roaming safeties Dewey and Wingard offered reliability on deeper looks, while Cam Little drilled a 70-yard field goal and Logan Cooke pinned Pittsburgh with solid boots. Drops and penalties muddied the rhythm, but the overall schematic approach looked clean for a preseason opener.

Travis Hunter opened the Jaguars’ preseason by playing three possessions on offense and defense, finishing with two receptions for nine yards on three targets—one catch wiped out by a penalty. Nerves were real, he admitted, but the moment the first play started, the jitters faded and he felt locked in. He believes more opportunities would’ve let him show what Jacksonville envisions for him in this two-way role.

Defensively, Hunter did not get targeted, but he contributed to the unit’s pressure, including a coverage sack that allowed Dawuane Smoot to finish a play. A missed tackle near the line of scrimmage was noted and promptly acknowledged as something to flush and improve. The early takeaway is clear: the Jaguars are testing his versatility, and Hunter is confident that, with additional chances, he could demonstrate the ceiling the team sees for him.

From a fantasy tilt, the sample size is tiny, but the two-way usage hints at intriguing potential—gadget touches for offense, special teams-related value, and defensive reps that could expand as preseason unfolds. If Jacksonville continues to mix him into multiple phases, he could become a high-upside depth piece, especially in leagues that reward versatility and playmaking through a varied snap count.

Hunter’s postgame tone underscored patience and progression. The Jaguars appear intent on easing him in, balancing risk with potential big plays as the preseason progresses, which could shape how fantasy managers view his role in the early regular season.

Dawuane Smoot, the Jacksonville Jaguars' defensive end, is preparing for an impactful offseason as he aims to reclaim his starting position. After eight seasons with the Jaguars, Smoot has demonstrated resilience, bouncing back from injuries to consistently contribute to the team's defensive efforts. Known for his ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks, he recorded five hits and multiple sacks in recent seasons, showcasing his potential for a strong comeback. His recent personal life event, delivering his daughter at home, further underscores his commitment to family, highlighting the balance he seeks between professional and personal responsibilities.

The Jacksonville Jaguars have made significant strides in bolstering their defensive end (DE) depth, with notable signings of Dawuane Smoot and Dennis Gardeck. They also acquired Emmanuel Ogbah after the NFL draft, emphasizing their commitment to enhancing this crucial position. The Jaguars aim to complement their starters, Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker, by adding seasoned players to ensure a rotation that can meet the demands of a heavily utilized defensive line.

This strategic move not only provides depth but also strengthens the overall competitiveness of the team. With the NFL season approaching, the Jaguars' focus on experience may yield dividends in both performance and injury management throughout the grueling season.