"You wasted assets": Ryan Clark rips Jaguars with harsh verdict on Travis Hunter’s draft value after star WR/CB's injury

Travis Hunter was one of the biggest stars in college football last season and, as a result, became one of the top prospects in the 2025 NFL draft. He was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars with the No. 2 pick after they traded up to acquire it. The Jaguars dealt a package that included the No. 5 pick this year and their first-rounder next year in exchange for the No. 2 pick and two other selections.

There is plenty of excitement around the Jaguars this season as anticipation for Hunter's debut builds. But there is still a question about whether he can realistically play both wide receiver and cornerback in the NFL.

Hunter made his preseason debut in the Jaguars' opener, logging 18 snaps. But the coaching staff did not get to see him in the second preseason game against the Saints, as he was held out with an upper-body injury. On Tuesday, analyst Ryan Clark suggested Hunter’s injury could be a sign he was not worth the No. 2 pick.

"If he doesn't play both sides of the football, you wasted a pick. You wasted assets," Ryan Clark said (Timestamp: 14:30). "You decided that moving up to No. 2 wasn't truly what you wanted to do because he's not the No. 2 pick as a wide receiver. He's not the No. 2 pick as a cornerback. He is the No. 2 pick if he plays both.

"He is the No. 2 pick if he affects both sides of the football. If he doesn't do that, what you gave up, giving up next year's first-round pick to get him is not worth it to play offense primarily or no defense and vice versa. And so to me, if you have to make that decision based on his inability to physically hold up throughout 17 games, it was a mistake to draft Travis Hunter."

Travis Hunter's status for the third preseason game is uncertain

The Jacksonville Jaguars have one more preseason game, but Travis Hunter's availability remains unclear. Coach Liam Coen said Tuesday that holding Hunter out against New Orleans was precautionary, but he did not commit to playing him in the final tune-up against Miami:

"I've got to see what he looks like tomorrow. I think the goal is to try to get him out there for the joint."

Jacksonville is scheduled to face the Dolphins on Saturday at 7 p.m. ET. Hunter has played only 18 snaps this preseason.