The Jacksonville Jaguars’ two-way player, Travis Hunter, made headlines with a season-best performance, recording eight receptions for 101 yards and a touchdown in Week 7. Now, as the Jaguars return from their bye week to face the Las Vegas Raiders, there’s growing chatter about how the coaching staff plans to utilize Hunter’s versatile skill set moving forward.

Head coach Liam Coen shared a few encouraging words on the rookie’s performance and seemed impressed with Hunter’s performance. “You look at the end of the last game against the Rams,” he said during the press conference, “with him and Trevor building on a connection and making some plays towards the end of the game.”

As of now, his impressive performance has given the coach more reason to test him further. As promised, the Jaguars have continued to use him on both offense and defense, though finding the right balance has been a challenge for the coaching staff. However, with time, it’s becoming easier for them to manage Hunter’s dual role.

“Obviously was a little out of reach at the time, but you’re still seeing competitive throws and catches in live action,” he continued, “which is something we’ve needed. So, you definitely look at how much more can he handle, how much more can we, put him in a position to be successful on both offense and defense, and what does that look like? So, it definitely gave us an opportunity as a staff to look at how we can continue to use him.”

The rookie has been clear that he wants to play on both sides. He even threatened that he would leave the league if he were not given the opportunity. This was also the reason why the Jaguars were interested in Hunter. On draft day, General Manager James Gladstone declared that Hunter’s abilities could “alter the trajectory” of the sport.

But that very ability of the player is questioned.

The Jaguars have been urged to limit the player to the defense side. He has produced modest stats across the last seven games, playing on both ends. Perhaps that’s the reason. So, now, there’s a debate among NFL executives and coaches.

Travis Hunter is suggested to limit himself to the offense

There’s no doubt that the rookie has potential. However, since his decent production, there have been questions about whether his dual role has been limiting his growth.

Through the last seven games, Hunter has racked up 298 receiving yards, tying him for 163rd all-time among rookie receivers and third among this year’s rookie wideouts, behind WRs Emeka Egbuka and Tetairoa McMillan. He has struggled to make an impact on the defense.

As an anonymous league executive told Mike Sando, the rookie’s biggest strength on offense right now is his ball skills. However, he seemingly has potential in a different position. “To reach his highest level, he is going to be in one spot, and it is going to be at the corner,” the executive said as per the report.

Will that help the player reach his maximum potential? As per the anonymous executive, the rookie must give up on QB Trevor Lawrence’s side to join the defense.

That’s not all. Since he has been performing well on offense, one executive suggested that he should play as a WR this season. However, he should transition to defense in his second year. A lot of opinions seem to lean on the defense, even though he is struggling on that end.

However, it remains up to the coach to make the decision, and for now, Coach Coen and his staff appear confident. Perhaps his second year will give us a better look.