The Jacksonville Jaguars made an enormous investment in 2024 Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter last year. The Jaguars parted with their 2025 second round pick and their 2026 first round pick as part of their trade with the Cleveland Browns during the 2025 NFL Draft. The Jags then nabbed Hunter with the No. 2 overall pick.

When you make an investment that big, you’d better be landing a future All-Pro or perennial Pro Bowl player, and general manager James Gladstone’s tenure will be largely defined by Hunter’s success, given that was his first draft.

2025 was, unfortunately, cut short for the Jags’ star rookie. He suffered a lateral collateral ligament (LCL) injury in his right knee during practice back on October 30 that required surgery and ended his season.

However, that still didn’t keep his name from being absent from a very prestigious list that ESPN recently put out. The media giant polled NFL coaches, executives, and scouts to determine the top 10 cornerbacks in the league.

Despite playing in just seven games last season, Hunter found himself among the list of players also receiving votes.

Travis Hunter listed among players ‘also receiving votes’ on ESPN’s top 10 cornerbacks list

Even getting any kind of vote to be on that list after his 2025 rookie season speaks to the talent level that those around the league believe that Hunter possesses.

Of course, now he’ll have to quickly deliver on that immense ability this fall on the Jaguars’ defense. Jacksonville has already said this offseason that Hunter will continue to play on both sides of the ball, but the ability to impact games most directly and profoundly comes with Hunter locking down opposing wide receivers.

If Hunter is at 100% and hits the ground running this season, he should deliver on that substantial ability quickly. And we should see Hunter’s name significantly higher on that same list next offseason.