JACKSONVILLE – Jaguars experts – Frank Frangie, Brent Martineau, John Oehser, Brian Sexton, J.P. Shadrick, Mark Duffner, Austen Lane and Kainani Stevens – are breaking down the Jaguars as the 2026 NFL season approaches; today: a look at what the "experts" expect from WR/CB Travis Hunter entering the '26 season:

John Oehser, jaguars.com senior writer

• What I expect from WR/CB Travis Hunter in 2026: A double-sided star turn. Hunter, the No. 2 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, missed the last 10 regular-season games last season with a knee injury that also kept him from practicing in the '26 offseason program. That means he remains something of a mystery entering '26, with analysts and fans debating how much he will play and where. Best guess here? Hunter will play extensively in a starting role defensively and emerge as one of the NFL's best young cornerbacks while playing a significant role as a receiver – particularly in third-down and three-receiver situations. He might be the team's most dangerous player when he touches the ball offensively and the Jaguars won't ignore that.

Mark Duffner, former longtime NFL/Jaguars assistant coach and Jaguars Media Analyst

• What I expect from WR/CB Travis Hunter in 2026: A great deal, whether on defense or offense. He is an elite athlete who showed a lot of flash last season. He has "big-play" ability and deserves the opponents' attention. He must stay healthy.

Frank Frangie, Radio Voice of the Jaguars

• What I expect from WR/CB Travis Hunter in 2026: To be healthy – and to be chomping at the bit to play. My guess — and it's only a guess — is he will start at cornerback, and be good. And that he will be used as a receiver in certain situations, and be good.

Austen Lane, former Jaguars defensive end and Jaguars Media Analyst

• What I expect from WR/CB Travis Hunter in 2026: How many times did we watch the Jaguars during the second half of the '25 season and say, "Man, I wish we had Travis Hunter on offense?" How many times did we say, "Man, I wish we had Travis Hunter on defense?" I expect the lion's share (unicorn's share) of his snaps in '26 to come on defense. With a loaded wide receiver room featuring Jakobi Meyers, Parker Washington and the deep threat that is Brian Thomas Jr., you already feel comfortable about the talent there. That's not to say Hunter won't have specially designed packages on offense, but I expect him to cement himself as a lockdown corner.

Brent Martineau, Action Sports Jax Sports Director

• What I expect from WR/CB Travis Hunter in 2026: Instant success on defense. It's a natural position; he's a gifted player and can be a star on that side of the ball. I expect him to match up with the other team's best receiver. I do think Hunter will impact the Jaguars on offense, but my expectation level is lower. I think he will have moments, but I'm not relying on a specific stat line for Hunter on offense game in and game out.

John Shipley, Jaguars Media correspondent

• What I expect from WR/CB Travis Hunter in 2026: I think 2026 is going to be a big year for Hunter. He has the skill set to be a shut-down corner – and more snaps for him on defense will help transform the entire secondary thanks to his ball skills and natural coverage ability. I also expect him to make some big plays on offense, including several touchdowns, to go with his coverage on the other side of the ball.

Brian Sexton, jaguars.com senior correspondent

• What I expect from WR/CB Travis Hunter in 2026: With :23 remaining in the third quarter in London last fall, Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matt Stafford threw deep to wide receiver Davante Adams on third-and-3 near midfield. Hunter was step for step and reached up to knock the ball away. Most observers and fans have long forgotten that play, but I haven't. Hunter's footwork revealed his astounding physical abilities. I expect Hunter is going to burst onto the scene as a cornerback and be not only the best defensive back in Jacksonville, but will quickly become one of the best young secondary players in the NFL. He's that talented and we already know how much he loves ball.

J.P. Shadrick, jaguars.com reporter/editor

• What I expect from WR/CB Travis Hunter in 2026: To see the most talented athlete on the field doing freakish things from time to time. From all accounts, he should be headed for full health entering '26 season – and with an entire offseason of mental reps, he should be in a good place with both the offensive and defensive schemes. He's the best cover corner on the team, so I think he will have a permanent home there. The offensive role will be interesting to see - as they find ways to work him into the mix. He's such a dynamic talent with the ball in his hands that you have to find a role, but you also must sit someone down who is playing at a high level to get him on the field.

Kainani Stevens, team reporter/producer

• What I expect from WR/CB Travis Hunter in 2026: Dominant on defense and a highlight on offense. While the organization has been clear that Hunter will still play on both sides of the ball, I expect he will have a significant impact as a defender this season. His physical traits paired with some added muscle and a year of studying the playbook should result in a shutdown corner with the ability to do special things when called upon in the offense.