The Jacksonville Jaguars’ 2025 training camp continues to intensify, and if there’s one emerging theme, it’s this: Travis Hunter is as advertised—and then some.
The rookie sensation once again flashed elite ability during Sunday’s practice, dominating in one-on-one drills and proving to be a near-impossible assignment for defensive backs. Veteran corner Jourdan Lewis had particular difficulty staying with Hunter, who showcased the quickness, footwork, and ball skills that made him one of the most exciting players in this year’s NFL Draft.
Hunter did have one hiccup—an errant play during team drills where a heater from Trevor Lawrence ricocheted off his hands and landed in the arms of safety Andrew Wingard for an interception. Still, the rest of the day belonged to Hunter, whose consistency and explosiveness continue to turn heads at every level of the coaching staff.
“He brings something different every day,” head coach Doug Pederson said. “You can’t coach the kind of instincts and movement he has. You just try to put him in spots to make plays—and he’s doing that already.”
While Hunter shines, another young Jaguars receiver is experiencing a more uneven camp. Brian Thomas Jr., coming off a promising rookie season, has shown flashes of brilliance but has also faced stiff resistance from Jacksonville’s defensive backs.
On Sunday, cornerback Tyson Campbell made life difficult for Thomas, winning several key reps in team and red zone drills. Campbell, now entering his fifth year with the team, spoke about the matchup afterward.
“Brian’s one of the best young receivers in the league, no doubt,” Campbell said. “But that’s what makes this fun—he pushes me, I push him. It’s all about sharpening each other.”
Thomas has reportedly taken the frustration in stride, using it as motivation rather than discouragement. Still, the defense has largely had the upper hand against him so far this camp, signaling a strong early start for Jacksonville’s secondary.
Travis Hunter may be the breakout star, but another rookie is quietly climbing the depth chart: linebacker Jack Kiser out of Notre Dame. A Day 3 draft pick, Kiser has shown a knack for being in the right place at the right time—and that continued on Sunday.
Kiser picked off Nick Mullens during team drills and took it back for a pick-six, drawing big cheers from both teammates and fans. It was the kind of splash play that has become more common for Kiser in recent practices.
“He’s putting together a real nice camp,” said defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen. “He’s got range, he’s smart, and he’s starting to play with confidence. Those are the guys who stick around in this league.”
While he’s not pushing for a starting role—yet—Kiser’s growth has put him in line for rotational snaps and a key special teams role in 2025.
With veteran Patrick Mekari sidelined due to lingering back spasms, offensive lineman Chuma Edoga has seized a significant opportunity.
Initially rotating at right tackle during OTAs, Edoga has transitioned to guard in Mekari’s absence and looked surprisingly comfortable. Outside of getting beat once by a sharp inside move from edge rusher Travon Walker, Edoga largely held his ground against Jacksonville’s deep defensive front.
“Chuma’s been steady. Quietly reliable,” offensive line coach Phil Rauscher said. “He’s taken on the challenge and shown he’s more than just a swing lineman.”
Though Mekari is expected to reclaim his starting role once healthy, Edoga’s consistency could force the Jaguars to keep him prominently in the mix for depth or even spot starts.
As training camp rolls into its second half, the Jaguars have much to be excited about. Travis Hunter continues to wow, the defense is finding its rhythm, and the depth across the roster is beginning to crystalize. With preseason games just around the corner, the early returns out of Jacksonville suggest that Doug Pederson’s squad may be primed to make noise in the AFC South once again.
