The Jacksonville Jaguars drafted wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. in 2024 as their first-round, 23rd overall pick. He showed magic on the gridiron by clocking impeccable rookie numbers: 87 receptions on 133 targets for 1,282 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns in 17 games. However, the franchise changed its coach to Liam Coen and drafted a two-way star in 2025. With Travis Hunter taking over the receiver reins, Thomas probably had a sudden dip in production. His catch percentage, which was 65.4 in 2024, dropped to 52.7. Why? Maybe because Hunter played more of a receiver than a cornerback.The Colorado alum changed the team’s offensive approach, where the targets went distributed. And he became the center point of the team’s 2025 offense.
Travis Hunter probably clouded Brian Thomas Jr’s 2025 start in Jacksonville
In Week 7 of 2025, Thomas clocked only 31 yards because Hunter took over as the primary target. The two-way star amassed 8 receptions on 14 targets for 101 yards and one touchdown. This may have overwhelmed Thomas. Till Oct. 2025, the 2025 rookie recorded 28 catches on 45 targets for 298 yards and one touchdown. Then he got injured, and Thomas had to step up his game. What came of it? The WR may have felt pressured to return to his rookie game. But alas, the LSU product pushed himself and probably got injured twice as a result [a high ankle sprain in Nov. 2025 and a foot injury in Dec. 2025]. He could only clock 48 receptions on 91 targets for 707 yards and two touchdowns in 14 games. He had eight total drops. His spot was taken. Thomas aimed to remain Trevor Lawrence’s primary target. But alas! Travis Hunter ultimately assumed that role.
Liam Coen’s comment and Travis Hunter’s role change
Anyhow, as questions were mounting for the upcoming season, as to who would be the WR1 to Lawrence, a little relief came through the head coach’s comment on the third-year WR. On March 31, Liam Coen commented on the LSU alum that true areas will be improved with relentless pursuit, and last year’s performance will not be pondered over. A few days later, another relief knocked on Thomas’ door: Hunter will take up the role of full-time cornerback at Jacksonville. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports to cyberspace that the Heisman Trophy winner will take up a full-time cornerback role and part-time wide receiver role in 2026. Heavy Sports’ Keith Watkins reports that it was Hunter’s snap count that made it clear that two-thirds of his playing time in 2025 came as a receiver. He will have some offensive snaps, but his primary duty will be towards the defensive side of the ball. The two-way star played just seven games, but his PFF stats show that he recorded 238 pass 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 may become the Jaguars’ top receiver. Jakobi Myers [who was acquired mid-season from the Las Vegas Raiders] made an immediate impact with just nine games: 42 receptions on 61 targets for 483 yards and three touchdowns. He could be WR2. Meanwhile, WR3 could be Parker Washington, who also produced solid numbers in 2025: 58 receptions on 95 targets for 847 yards and five touchdowns. This clear demarcation of Hunter’s 2026 role may also put a full stop to Thomas’ trade rumors linking him to Geno Smith-led New York Jets. Or probably not? Only time will tell…
