Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen remains unconcerned about rookie Travis Hunter's performance during the 11-on-11 drills held on Monday. Following the practice session, Coen spoke with reporters, emphasizing that Hunter acknowledged his missed assignments, stating, "So far, so good. He had a couple missed assignments today that he knew right away." This proactive approach shows Hunter's commitment to improving as he transitions into the NFL.
Coen noted that Hunter has been out of conditioning for a while, which may have contributed to his initial struggles. "The one thing you notice is, as a guy that hasn't played a ton of football or been out conditioning maybe for the last two months because he was on a little bit of a tour, the guy can run forever," Coen remarked. This observation highlights Hunter's impressive athleticism and suggests that he is already in football shape.
Despite some panic among fans stemming from clips that showcased Hunter's early struggles in connecting with quarterback Trevor Lawrence, it is essential to maintain perspective. Critics have focused on the moments when Hunter and Lawrence seemed out of sync, overlooking instances where they displayed good chemistry. Coen urged fans not to overreact, stating, "Anyone wanting to act concerned about Hunter right now is dramatically overreacting." He reiterated that this is Hunter's first real focus on the wide receiver position, emphasizing the learning curve involved.
Following the NFL draft, Coen outlined a clear plan for Hunter's development. The strategy is for him to concentrate on the offensive side of the game initially while gradually becoming familiar with the defensive system. This dual approach will allow Hunter to eventually contribute as a cornerback later in the offseason. Coen explained, "There are going to be things Hunter has to learn to play wide receiver in the NFL that he didn't have to know in college because he could win on pure athleticism." This insight underscores the complexities of transitioning to the professional level.
One of the critical aspects of success for any quarterback-wide receiver duo is developing timing and rhythm. Coen acknowledged that it can take time for Hunter and Lawrence to establish this connection, especially since they are working together for the first time. "This is the time of the offseason for Lawrence and Hunter to feel things out so they know what will work when the regular season begins," he said. This statement reflects the importance of offseason training in fostering effective communication on the field.
In summary, while there may be initial hurdles for Travis Hunter as he adjusts to the NFL, both Coach Liam Coen and the Jaguars organization remain optimistic about his potential. With continued focus on his development as a wide receiver and the establishment of chemistry with Trevor Lawrence, Hunter is poised to make significant strides as the season approaches.
