Jaguars still figuring out Travis Hunter's role entering Patriots game

Travis Hunter's snap count isn't the Jacksonville Jaguars' priority. Finding the right way to use him is.

Through two games, that process has meant limited opportunities on offense and a rotation on defense. The formula is still evolving as Jacksonville (1-1) prepares to host the New England Patriots (1-1) on Sunday at EverBank Stadium.

The game is set for a 1 p.m. kickoff.

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"I think that's still evolving," Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski said of Hunter's role. "One of those things that we're trying to find [out] whether it's Travis [Hunter] or any of our offensive guys. What's the best way to use those guys and get the best 11 on the field, given the situation?"

Hunter has had two touches (one catch and one carry) for 11 yards. The former No. 2 overall pick's offensive role has been limited as Jacksonville works through how to incorporate him alongside receivers Parker Washington, Brian Thomas Jr., and Jakobi Meyers and tight end Brenton Strange.

Hunter's role on defense is larger, but even there he has not been an every-down player. Less than a year removed from knee surgery, Hunter has played 66 defensive snaps, or 58.4% of Jacksonville's total, while rotating with Jarrian Jones and Montaric Brown on the outside.

Jaguars executive vice president of football operations Tony Boselli pushed back this week on Hunter's early usage, pointing out how little football he has actually played since entering the league.

"He's played nine games in the NFL. He missed all of the offseason because he was rehabbing his knee," Boselli said via Jacksonville sports radio 1010XL. "He's one of the 53 that is trying to win us football games and he's doing a heck of a job."

Travis Hunter snaps limited by Jaguars cornerback rotation

Jacksonville uses a unique cornerback rotation, with four players working across multiple spots. On the boundary, Brown, Hunter and Jones rotate outside, while veteran Jourdan Lewis handles the slot with safety Antonio Johnson sprinkled in at times.

Jacksonville's approach appears to be unique through two weeks.

Jaguars defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile said the philosophy is rooted in Jacksonville's confidence in the group and a desire to keep players fresh.

"We feel like we have a bunch of good players there," Campanile said. "Guys that do a good job and work their tail off. We feel good about all those guys. Keeping them fresh and rotating them all has been the philosophy behind it.”

Jaguars corner Jarrian Jones said the rotation can actually help corners diagnose what an offense is doing. When a player spends a series on the sideline, he can see portions of the field that aren't visible while locked into his own assignment.

“When you’re in at corner, you can only kind of see your triangle,” Jones said. “… You just relay the message to the guys.”

Asked where the rotation helps most, Jones pointed to "communication" and "keeping guys fresh."

Keeping Hunter fresh, however, also means limiting reps for a player who missed much of last season and the offseason. The tradeoff matters for Hunter, who missed much of last season and the offseason.

“The more reps obviously you get, the better that you’re going to be,” Campanile said. “Those conversations are always being had every game. It can change week to week, but yeah, that’s always a challenge.”

That rotation will be tested Sunday by Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, whose ability to extend plays and attack downfield can add stress to communication in the secondary.

Jaguars must keep Drake Maye from extending plays

It's easier said than done, but Maye must be slowed down on Sunday for Jacksonville to win.

Through two games, Maye has 64 rushing yards on eight scrambles, according to Pro Football Focus. Maye has turned six of his rushes into first downs. Last season, Maye rushed for 450 yards and four touchdowns, with 38 first downs. He led the league with 99 completions under pressure last season.

After facing Denver Broncos QB Bo Nix in Week 2, the Jaguars got a sample of how a mobile QB stresses a team's defense at all three levels. Still, Maye is distinct from Nix, Jaguars defensive end Josh Hines-Allen said.

"Bo [Nix] tries to extend plays behind the pocket, and I think [Drake Maye] steps up to run out of the pocket, to get yards, so we have to be very crucial on that. Gotta know where he likes to step up, where he likes to scramble to, and we just got to control him as a defensive front," Hines-Allen said.

Jacksonville has a chance to take advantage of Maye's shortcomings. So far this season, Maye has completed 67.3% for 386 yards and a touchdown. However, he has thrown four interceptions, which could give Jacksonville the opportunity to continue their turnover streak.

Jaguars set to play in Prowler throwbacks

Sunday will mark the first of two times Jacksonville deploys its popular throwback 'Prowler' uniforms. The kit includes an homage to the team's original uniform patterns and colors, featuring a teal top with white pants. The helmets feature the team's old logo.

The team will return with the throwbacks on Monday Night Football in Week 14 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Demetrius Harvey is the Jacksonville Jaguars reporter for the Florida Times-Union. You can follow him on X (formerly Twitter) at @Demetrius82 or on BlueskyatDemetrius.

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This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jaguars still figuring out Travis Hunter's role entering Patriots game