In a draft that had everyone buzzing, Cam Ward was taken with the No. 1 overall pick. But the Jacksonville Jaguars made headlines by trading up to the No. 2 spot to grab Travis Hunter.
While many assumed Ward would steal the spotlight, Super Bowl champion Will Blackmon believes otherwise. According to Blackmon, Hunter is poised to make a bigger impact in the NFL than Ward.
Travis Hunter Will Be a Bigger Star Than Cam Ward
Will Blackmon points out that Hunter’s name alone boosts media buzz and ticket demand: “With Travis Hunter, you’re gonna get all kinds of media attention,” says Blackmon. “People are gonna get tickets to a Jacksonville game just to watch this guy.”
His electric playing style and college stardom already have fans talking, and that translates to real business for the Jaguars. The bigger the expectation, the more interest he’ll attract from fans and media.
Fans and media stations will yearn for a chance to witness his reps on defense and reps on offense, which means he’ll easily draw more attention than the overall No. 1 pick, Cam Ward.
Two-Way Threat: Hunter Will Shine on Both Sides of the Ball
While Cam Ward will be only playing one position (quarterback), Hunter will pay dividends to the Jags on both sides of the ball and draw massive traction with his unique talent. He’s already showcased his exceptional performance as a wide receiver and cornerback, recording 85 tackles, 9 INTs, 26 PBUs, 1 forced fumble as a CB, and 171 receptions, 2,167 yards, 24 receiving TDs as a WR.
That’s an outstanding stat for a rookie. Plus, we don’t always witness a rookie bringing notable value on offense and defense. His versatility as both a lockdown corner and an explosive wide receiver means he’ll deliver impact plays no matter where he’s lined up.
Moments leading up to the NFL draft, Travis exuded so much confidence, claiming he’ll definitely play on both sides of the ball. He said he was very confident he’d deliver as a CB and WR in the NFL. Fans will be flocking to the games to find out whether he’ll deliver on his promises.
Hunter’s Work Ethic Will Set the Tone For the Jags
Playing both ways as a rookie will be no joke; it requires double the time in the field and in the film room. And that’s where Hunter’s ethics come into play. Hunter’s strong work ethic is expected to elevate the culture inside the Jags’ locker room.
Hunter’s known to play with no drama while keeping a laser-sharp focus. And that’s something money can’t buy.
With his strong work ethic, Travis will influence a championship mindset in a mediocre team. As a result, his presence will encourage a healthy competition. No one will want to slack while the two-way rookie delivers a 100% without causing or attracting drama off the field.
He’ll also help raise the bar for the veterans and rookies alike. His dedication to preparation, relentless training, and studying playbooks will set the pace for the Jags’ locker room.
Besides attracting more positive media attention and encouraging more ticket sales, Travis will significantly elevate the culture in the Jag’s locker with his professionalism and dedication. Meanwhile, HC Liam Cone and GM James Gladstone are already seeing the effects of him.