The Indianapolis Colts were never in a position to consider taking Travis Hunter in the 2025 NFL Draft, but that doesn't mean they didn't conduct extensive scouting on him. The Jacksonville Jaguars gave up a king's ransom to trade up and get him, and having him in the division would be a problem for Shane Steichen and company.
While some had doubts about Hunter's ability to be a two-way player in the pros, most scouts agreed that he was a potentially generational talent. Facing him twice a year -- on both ends of the field, no less -- was a headache.
Ultimately, an LCL injury in his left knee cost him most of the season, and he didn't get to face the Colts. He was disappointing on offense and didn't get to do that much on defense, and there were doubts about his role going forward. That's why the latest reports about his health, speed, and strength are an unwelcome turn of events.
Travis Hunter can be a major problem for the Indianapolis Colts
"Travis, I know he ran 22.6 MPH this morning outside here. He was talking a lot of smack to [Director of Performance Science] Chris Bach and the athletic trainers. He's worked his tail off," Jaguars HC Liam Coen told the media.
Hunter hauled in a total of 28 catches for 298 yards and one touchdown as a rookie. On defense, he gave up nine catches on 19 targets for 106 yards, 11.8 yards per completion, and 29 yards after the catch. He looked better suited to play cornerback, but he insists on playing on both sides of the field.
The Colts should be more than set containing him as a wide receiver. While Brian Thomas Jr. will most likely draw the Sauce Gardner assignment, Charvarius Ward should be more than able to hold his ground against the Colorado product. That said, things might be trickier on the other end of the gridiron.
Shane Steichen's passing game might not be as proficient next season. They lost a key contributor in Michael Pittman Jr., and Josh Downs didn't always seem to be on the same page with Daniel Jones. They didn't add another proven weapon in the offseason, and Alec Pierce is more of a big-play specialist.
Hunter gave up a 68.3 passer rating as a rookie, and his ball skills will make him a perennial takeaway threat and ball-hawk. He's reportedly bulked up significantly this offseason, and with his combination of athleticism and speed, he might pose a major threat to this team's lack of pass catchers.
At the end of the day, iron sharpens iron, and you have to beat the best to be the best. But those who jumped the gun to celebrate and call him a bust after less than a full season might be in for a rude awakening in 2026.
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