Jacksonville Jaguars rookies report training camp? What to watch from Travis Hunter, others
The Jacksonville Jaguars are back for their 31st season in the NFL as they enter a new era. Head coach Liam Coen joins the Jaguars after a year in Tampa Bay as the Buccaneers offensive coordinator. Coen coached a top-five offense in the NFL last year and beings his talents to Duval to improve the 25th ranked offense in 2024.
Alongside Coen is new offensive coordinator Grant Udinski and defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile. Udinski joined Jacksonville after his stint as an assistant offensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings while Campanile arrives from the linebacker coach position in Green Bay.
Although coaching has made some changes, the biggest addition to the Jaguars family is Travis Hunter, the second pick in the draft after trading up with the Cleveland Browns. He is coming off a Heisman Trophy-winning season with the Colorado Buffalos after helping his team achieve a 9-4 record, their best result since 2016.
HOW IT STARTED? Travis Hunter story goes all the way back to grandmother living in Palm Beach labor camp
Hunter is a unique prospect where he is committed to playing both sides of the football in the NFL. He played those roles full time in Deion Sanders' team and his athletic ability gives him a chance at achieving that. Udinski and Campanile both will be tasked with handling Hunter correctly to develop him and not hinder who is known as a generational athlete.
Coen, Udinski and Campanile will engage with Hunter and the rest of their rookie class as the Jaguars' training camp begins July 19. They will report to the Miller Electric Center on Saturday for their first day of NFL training camp. The rookies will be joined by the rest of the team on July 22 before the doors of Miller Electric Center is open to the public.
With an abundance of new rookies joining the team, who are ones that will catch the eyes of the fans? Here are some rookies to keep a look out for:
Jacksonville Jaguars 2025 NFL draft class
The Jaguars grabbed the Heisman winner with the second pick but they picked up depth in numerous positions, including two running backs.
Round 1 (No. 2 overall) - Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
Round 3 (88) - Caleb Ransaw, DB, Tulane
Round 3 (89) - Wyatt Milum, OL, West Virginia
Round 4 (104) - Bhayshul Tuten, RB, Virginia Tech
Round 4 (107) - Jack Kiser, LB, Notre Dame
Round 6 (194) - Jalen McLeod, EDGE, Auburn
Round 6 (200) - Rayuan Lane III, S, Navy
Round 7 (221) - Jonah Monheim, OL, USC
Round 7 (236) - LeQuint Allen Jr., RB, Syracuse
Who to watch for? Travis Hunter
Hunter accumulated 96 receptions, 1258 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns on the offensive side of the ball last season. Defensively he caught 4 passes for interceptions and 36 tackles.
He led the Big 12 in receptions and touchdowns while guarding the other team's best player every game. He did not test at the NFL Combine but his play showcases breakaway speed. At 6-foot-1 and 188 pounds, he has the size and speed to guard shorter receivers/running backs and the height to not get bullied by taller guys.
Watching Hunter in college, you can see the all-around elusiveness and athleticism he possesses. The ability to meet the ball at its height point to either bring it down or swipe it away is critical in redzone situations. The creativity in the open field to find ways to make big plays is another major factor in his game.
His play at receiver allows him to read his opponent where he can run a route for them or jump it for an interception. The Florida native has the skills to play both sides of the ball and his progression will be key for the Jaguars' future.
Caleb Ransaw
Caleb Ransaw played three years at Troy before moving to Tulane for his senior year. The 5-11, 197-pound defensive back played as a nickelback or slot corner in Tulane's 4-2-5 defense. This allowed Ransaw to use his speed and strength to throw off receivers that were within his zone.
He is big for the slot corner position so his assistance in run defense was key. He would redirect many receivers that crossed his line of vision and made quick work of anything that came 7 yards or fewer from the line of scrimmage. Ransaw clocked in at 4.33 seconds for his 40-yard dash, which showcases his top-end speed. He is not some that receivers can blow by easily.
Where Ransaw struggles is his coverage ability. Playing against NFL slot receivers could be tricky for him because of their shiftiness and quick release off the line. Ransaw's zone coverage ability is fine but man to man is where he could struggle. It is presumed that the Jaguars drafted Ransaw to play safety so he can utilize his athletic ability while also having opportunities to contribute to the run defense.
Wyatt Milum
Wyatt Milum was drafted immediately after Ransaw with the 25th pick in the third round. His selection was an indicator of wanting the protection of Trevor Lawrence and Milum is just the player for it. Standing at 6-6 and 313 pounds, Milum is a big guy that started at left tackle for his senior season at West Virginia. His production earned him Big 12 Player of the Year.
Milum's drop on the draft board was due to his arm's length. With 32⅛-inch arms, Milum is in the ninth percentile for offensive tackles. He played great at West Virginia but in the NFL, teams want their tackles to have long arms to fight off speed rushers. With his build, Milum could slide to offensive guard.
Jacksonville Jaguars training camp open dates at Miller Electric Center
For practices open to the public, parking lots open at 7 a.m., gates open at 7:45 a.m. and practice is expected to start at 8:30 a.m. Open practice dates include:
Wednesday, July 23
Thursday, July 24
Friday, July 25 – Exclusive Season Ticket Member day
Sunday, July 27 – NFL Back Together Sunday with Rookie poster giveaway
Monday, July 28 – First day of full pads
Tuesday, July 29
Sunday, Aug. 3
Tuesday, Aug. 5
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Travis Hunter, other Jacksonville Jaguars rookies reach training camp
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