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Season-long player props are beginning to surface across sportsbooks. In an attempt to seek out values, Brad Evans will occasionally make the case on an attractive future — whether betting the OVER or UNDER — as the outside temps rise.
Today’s topic: Jacksonville’s two-way curiosity.
The pick — Travis Hunter to record 800+ receiving yards (+135, DraftKings)
Deion Sanders in reverse.
That’s the pro player Travis Hunter, who played for Coach Prime at Jackson State and Colorado, will likely be.
During the Pro Football Hall of Famer’s legendary stints with the Falcons and Cowboys in the 1990s, Sanders occasionally played both ways, amassing 784 receiving yards in his 14-year NFL career.
Many have wondered how Hunter will be utilized this season. The 2025 No. 2 overall pick is likely to see an 80-20 split between wide receiver and defensive back with the Jaguars.
[ NFL Gamer's Guide: Fantasy forecasts and futures bets for 2025 season ]
For fantasy managers willing to slip a ring on Jacksonville’s hotshot rookie — he, too, exchanged vows last weekend — a healthy and fruitful marriage is bound to occur. No prenup is necessary.
As attentive gumshoes are fully aware, clues about Hunter’s dual-role potential have steadily surfaced throughout Jags minicamp. Earlier this week, new head coach Liam Coen said he envisions the Heisman Trophy winner playing DB sporadically on third downs. So far in media-viewable practices, Hunter, not surprisingly, has trotted out almost exclusively as a wideout.
Unfairly lambasted by hot-take artists on social media for rounded routes displayed in early practices, Hunter is going through the learning process. Displaying tighter lines in most recent showings, he has all the necessary skills to torch defensive secondaries once up to speed, whether on quick underneath actions or deep-ball sprints.
Exercise patience, gamer. It’s doubtful he flops.
Look for the Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate to log time in the slot and outside. That versatility will maximize mismatches, triggering splitting headaches for the opposition.
Equipped with 4.39 40-yard wheels, Hunter should regularly generate significant separation. Last season with the Buffaloes, he posted a 112.0+ WR rating on six different routes, according to Pro Football Focus. His 90-plus receiver grade against man and zone coverages also state the case for his upside.
Bottom line: Let Hunter simmer. Yes, he’s unpolished, but it’s becoming increasingly evident Coen will deploy him mostly as a wide receiver.
Given the improved schematic creativity in DUVAL and Trevor Lawrence’s accurate downfield arm (he ranked QB6 in deep-ball completion percentage in 2024), Hunter is likely to make a sizable first-year impact. His discounted fantasy ADP (WR49, 135.5) will invariably rise with the summer temps.
Cue the Deion classic “Must be the Money.” At appreciable plus odds, Hunter is a worthy investment to surpass 800 receiving yards in Year 1.