Travis Hunter hailed as 'game changer' by Jaguars teammate ahead of Year Two

No injuries are well-timed, but Hunter's felt particularly cruel given he'd just scored his first career touchdown in a standout eight-catch, 101-yard performance in front of an excited Wembley crowd.

Coming into his second year, the Jacksonville Jaguars' 2025 first-rounder has spent most of his time rehabbing on the sidelines while his teammates participate in OTAs and mandatory minicamp.

For most players, being limited in team drills could make it hard to make an impression. But Hunter's not most people.

Appearing on SiriusXM NFL Radio, veteran DT Arik Armstead had this to say about the talented 23-year-old.

Armstead on Hunter's rare athletic gifts

"He's a game changer," Armstead began. "He's probably the most naturally talented athlete, just pure athlete I've been around, and I've been around some amazing ones."

Hunter entered the NFL as the rare example of a player who excelled as both a cornerback and wide receiver in college, his two-way talents making him a star for the Colorado Buffaloes.

Jaguars GM James Gladstone revealed in May that Hunter will see "an uptick in corner usage," but also left the door open for him to "play both sides of the ball."

Armstead's view of his teammate backs that up, rookie bumps and all.

"He adds a lot of value on both sides of the football, and just like everyone's career, you're gonna have your rookie ups and downs," he continued. "I think he was starting to hit his stride before he got injured."

Hunter healing "amazingly," says Armstead

Gladstone suggested Hunter will be "full go" by the time training camp rolls around, a point Armstead echoed.

"Heading into this offseason, he's looking extremely well and healing up amazingly," he said.

"I'm excited to see, as he gets back and healthy, gets back into the fold and hopefully is able to join us here soon back on the field, what he's able to accomplish in Year 2."

Mike Carlson / Stringer

Armstead offered reasons for his belief in a Year 2 jump.

"Things will slow for him, just like they do for all of us," he explained. "He'll be going into his second year being in the same system, around the same coaches, and knowing what's asked of him.

"We know how challenging that can be as a rookie just mastering one side of the ball, so I think in Year 2 he's going to take a huge step and help our team in a lot of different ways."

Training camp will be the first real test of how much of Armstead's optimism is warranted, but a player with Hunter's upside gives Jacksonville every reason to be excited.