Travis Hunter's plan to play on both sides of the ball is one of the most intriguing plotlines of the upcoming season.
The Jacksonville Jaguars, with first-year coach Liam Coen, will have to decide how and when to deploy their first-round pick. Does he play full-time offense and part-time on defense? Full time on D and a smattering of routes on offense? Could he possibly be a full-time player on both sides without getting worn down? How will the team manage those reps, and the mental aspects of learning the game plan on both sides each week?
Joining the "Bussin' With the Boys" podcast last week, Kansas City Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce brought up another aspect of Hunter's situation that is worth considering: How will opponents attack a two-way player?
Asked if he thought the rookie could eventually be All-Pro on both sides, Kelce responded:
"Both sides? That's the thing, I don't know how they're going to divvy it out," he said, via Sports Illustrated. "I don't know, because teams are going to be going after him. They're gonna try and make his day miserable. If he plays corner, they're gonna run deep balls at him all day. They're gonna run the wide receivers, just take off on him all day, just to try to get him tired. Why wouldn't you just attack him that way?"
Hunter prides himself on his stamina, so he'd probably bristle at the question after averaging 118 snaps last year at Colorado. However, there is a legitimate concern about the toll that many snaps a week can take over a grinding 17-game season, especially if opponents are making him run wind sprints on defense.
