The Jacksonville Jaguars drafted broad receiver Brian Thomas Jr. in 2024 as their first-round, twenty third total choose. He confirmed magic on the gridiron by clocking impeccable rookie numbers: 87 receptions on 133 targets for 1,282 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns in 17 video games. Nevertheless, the franchise modified its coach to Liam Coen and drafted a two-way star in 2025. With Travis Hunter taking up the receiver reins, Thomas in all probability had a sudden dip in manufacturing. His catch proportion, which was 65.4 in 2024, dropped to 52.7. Why? Perhaps as a result of Hunter performed extra of a receiver than a cornerback.The Colorado alum modified the crew’s offensive method, the place the targets went distributed. And he grew to become the middle level of the crew’s 2025 offense.
Travis Hunter in all probability clouded Brian Thomas Jr’s 2025 begin in Jacksonville
In Week 7 of 2025, Thomas clocked solely 31 yards as a result of Hunter took over as the first goal. The 2-way star amassed 8 receptions on 14 targets for 101 yards and one landing. This will likely have overwhelmed Thomas. Until Oct. 2025, the 2025 rookie recorded 28 catches on 45 targets for 298 yards and one landing. Then he obtained injured, and Thomas needed to step up his sport. What got here of it? The WR could have felt pressured to return to his rookie sport. However alas, the LSU product pushed himself and possibly obtained injured twice consequently [a high ankle sprain in Nov. 2025 and a foot injury in Dec. 2025]. He might solely clock 48 receptions on 91 targets for 707 yards and two touchdowns in 14 video games. He had eight whole drops. His spot was taken. Thomas aimed to stay Trevor Lawrence’s main goal. However alas! Travis Hunter in the end assumed that position.
Liam Coen’s remark and Travis Hunter’s position change
Anyhow, as questions have been mounting for the upcoming season, as to who can be the WR1 to Lawrence, slightly reduction got here via the top coach’s touch upon the third-year WR. On March 31, Liam Coen commented on the LSU alum that true areas will probably be improved with relentless pursuit, and final 12 months’s efficiency won’t be contemplated over. A number of days later, one other reduction knocked on Thomas’ door: Hunter will take up the position of full-time cornerback at Jacksonville. NFL Community’s Ian Rapoport stories to our on-line world that the Heisman Trophy winner will take up a full-time cornerback position and part-time broad receiver position in 2026. Heavy Sports activities’ Keith Watkins stories that it was Hunter’s snap depend that made it clear that two-thirds of his enjoying time in 2025 got here as a receiver. He can have some offensive snaps, however his main responsibility will probably be in direction of the defensive facet of the ball. The 2-way star performed simply seven video games, however his PFF stats present that he recorded 238 go snaps and 85 run snaps.
Brian Thomas Jr, Jakobi Myers and Parker Washington can shine at receiver
Now, why would Hunter play full-time CB? To make room for others. Thomas could develop into the Jaguars’ high receiver. Jakobi Myers [who was acquired mid-season from the Las Vegas Raiders] made an instantaneous impression with simply 9 video games: 42 receptions on 61 targets for 483 yards and three touchdowns. He could possibly be WR2. In the meantime, WR3 could possibly be Parker Washington, who additionally produced strong numbers in 2025: 58 receptions on 95 targets for 847 yards and 5 touchdowns. This clear demarcation of Hunter’s 2026 position may put a full cease to Thomas’ commerce rumors linking him to Geno Smith-led New York Jets. Or in all probability not? Solely time will inform…