Much of these offseason work ethic discussions have revolved around Hunter because of his reputation as a collegiate ironman at Colorado, where he played both cornerback and receiver and posted absurd snap totals in two seasons, averaging 118 per game last year. Hunter’s presence might have even inspired a fellow teammate, breakout rookie receiver Brian Thomas Jr., to ensure he doesn’t rest on his own laurels after a 1,282-yard debut campaign, and it seems as if Hunter has quickly established himself as one of the most dedicated and driven players on Jacksonville’s roster.
It hasn’t come without skepticism, though. Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce recently suggested opponents will attempt to wear out Hunter when he’s playing cornerback, and there are plenty more who believe it simply isn’t possible to play both ways in today’s NFL. Plus, there’s the dreaded rookie wall, which might hit even harder for a player spending much more time on the field each week.
We won’t be able to provide legitimate answers to any of this until the season begins, but Hunter’s pursuit of a role unseen in the NFL since its earliest years will remain a fascinating plotline to track.