Travis Hunter is increasingly becoming a preferred pick over Jameson Williams and Travis Kelce in fantasy football drafts, particularly in the late fifth round, according to data from PFSN’s Fantasy Football Mock Draft Simulator. This shift reflects a growing belief among fantasy managers that Hunter’s unique abilities offer notable upside in the current fantasy landscape.

Changing Attitudes Toward Fantasy Player Evaluation

The growing selection of Hunter signals a wider adjustment in how fantasy participants assess player value. While veterans like Kelce maintain strong appeal due to their proven track records, and Williams boasts game-breaking speed in Detroit’s offense, some managers are opting for Hunter’s untapped potential instead. His dual role as a receiver and defensive back in college has created complex matchup challenges that translate well into fantasy scoring opportunities.

Hunter demonstrated elite route-running skills and dependable hands during his college career, traits that often foreshadow success as a rookie in the NFL. Although his status as a late fifth-round pick suggests many still view him as a speculative investment rather than an immediate impact player, this perception could evolve quickly once the season starts and his role becomes clearer.

The Influence of Liam Coen’s Offensive System on Hunter’s Prospects

Liam Coen’s offensive strategy, first showcased in Tampa Bay last season, highlights how contemporary NFL offenses can generate multiple fantasy-relevant wide receivers. The Buccaneers recorded 11 games where a receiver scored over 20 PPR points and 26 instances of wideouts reaching double-digit points overall, illustrating a system that distributes opportunities broadly rather than focusing on a single standout target.

This inclusive approach to offensive production presents a blueprint that could translate well to Jacksonville, where Coen is now leading the offense. His method emphasizes exploiting defensive weaknesses and creating advantageous mismatches, aligning with Hunter’s versatile skill set and increasing his chances to become a consistent fantasy contributor in Jacksonville’s offense.

Jacksonville’s Open Passing Game Provides Unseen Fantasy Value

The Jacksonville Jaguars currently have a significant gap in their pass-catching corps, creating a rare chance for players like Hunter to claim meaningful targets. Brian Thomas Jr. posted nine games with 16 or more PPR points last season, establishing dependability, but much of the rest of the supporting cast has left via free agency or trades. Of the six players with 16-plus point outings last year, only Brenton Strange remains on the roster.

This roster turnover opens a substantial volume opportunity for new and returning receivers, making the Jaguars’ passing game a fertile ground for emerging fantasy talent. Managers who prioritize recognized stars may overlook this situation’s potential, which actually hinges more on opportunity and target share than reputation.

For fantasy drafts, selecting high-upside players like Hunter represents a strategic risk that can pay off considerably, especially in competitive leagues where such decisions often distinguish championship contenders from others.