The Jacksonville Jaguars secured a 26-10 victory over the Carolina Panthers in Week 1. Moreover, it was the first NFL game in which people could see whether or not Travis Hunter could pull off being a two-way player.
Although Hunter didn't post huge numbers against the Panthers — six catches for 33 yards and one tackle — his two-way debut stood out.
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He played 44 snaps on offense and six on defense, making him just the second player in the past 10 years to log at least 30 offensive snaps and five defensive snaps in a single game.
Despite this impressive feat, ESPN NFL analyst Rex Ryan offered a blunt take on Hunter continuing to be a two-way player.
"Not going to happen," Ryan said on Monday's edition of "Get Up." "44 plays on offense. [On] defense, he played six plays and one tackle. Hey, Jacksonville, what are you doing, man? It's a hell of a lot harder to find a corner than it is a receiver.
"Put him as a starting corner, and let's make him special as a corner. Forget all that other jazz about him playing both ways. We get it. You wasted an extra first-round pick. Put him at corner, and let him make a difference at corner."
Furthermore, after ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter revealed the Jaguars' plan for Hunter, which can be changed week to week, how much he plays receiver and corner, the former New York Jets head coach doubled down with his take.
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"In other words, you're going to end up getting an average‑a** receiver in an average‑a** corner," Ryan added. "That's what's going to happen. When you extend guys too much in this league, no, it ain't going to happen. I don't care who he is.. But no, he's not going to be the impact he should have on this football team unless you sell out, put him at corner, let him be a stud there."
Hunter will look to continue playing both sides of the football in Week 2 when the Jaguars face off against the Cincinnati Bengals.