Travis Hunter: Dynasty Enigma
by: Chris Goldby
Travis Hunter is the most talked-about—and most confusing—fantasy prospect in recent memory.
Drafted 2nd overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars, the team gave up next year’s first-round pick just to move up a few spots and secure him. That’s not a subtle move. That’s a franchise screaming: “This is our guy.”
So why does he feel like such a risky pick?
🔥 The Coen Effect
Enter Liam Coen, Jacksonville’s new head coach and certified Riz Master. He helped resurrect Baker Mayfield and turned Tampa Bay’s offense into a playoff machine using a heavy dose of 3-WR sets, screen plays, and rhythm passing. It worked with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, but Jacksonville is not Tampa Bay.
Let’s be honest — Tampa had an elite offensive line. Jacksonville… does not.
Still, Coen was also responsible for turning Bucky Irving into a 2nd-round redraft darling, and Irving just went in the 4th round of our dynasty league. That matters. And if Coen’s system is built on screens and speed? Hunter could thrive in that environment alongside Brian Thomas Jr. and Dyami Brown.
🧠 The Real Enigma: WR or CB?
Let’s not forget: Travis Hunter also plays cornerback. That’s where things get messy.
Hunter is worthy of the 2nd overall pick as a wide receiver alone — elite hands, vision, and playmaking. But if Jacksonville plans to use him on both sides of the ball, the wear-and-tear risk explodes. Every snap is a collision. And at 6’1”, 185 lbs, how many extra “car crashes” can he survive each week?
If he was 100% committed to offense, he’d be a top-5 dynasty lock for me. But if he’s playing even some snaps at CB? I’m out — in both dynasty and redraft.
Algorithm Outlook
Let’s break him down by dynasty mindset:
Careers
You’re projecting long-term upside. You think Hunter gets 4–5 screens per game, maybe returns kicks, and benefits from soft coverage while Brian Thomas draws CB1 attention. But if he’s playing defense too? That future gets murky fast. His talent is undeniable — but for this algorithm type, Hunter is high risk, high ceiling.
Established
You like NFL tape > college tape. You know Hunter’s been the best player on the field for two years — but not at the NFL level. You’ve been burned before. You’re letting someone else take the risk and hoping to buy low later if it works out. Pass for now.
Team Intentions
This is where things get complicated. Jacksonville traded a future first to grab him. That means Coen is all in. He’s not a decoy. He’s not going to sit. He’s going to be used. If you’re betting on the team’s investment, you’re drafting him early and living with the volatility.
Final Verdict
Travis Hunter is, without question, a dynasty enigma. His talent is blinding. His usage is uncertain. His role could change weekly. And while I don’t think it’s wrong to bet on that upside — I’m personally staying away in both redraft and dynasty.
Is that the right call?
We’ll find out soon enough.