Two members of the Jacksonville Jaguars were listed among the “100 most important players” for the 2026 NFL season.
Zachary Pereles of CBS Sports was the one who put this list together, and included were quarterback Trevor Lawrence and two-way player Travis Hunter.
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Let’s take a closer look.
On multiple occasions this offseason, James Gladstone and Liam Coen have made it crystal clear that Hunter will continue to play both ways. However, while the majority of his snaps in Year 1 came on offense, this year could be the opposite. Hunter is the projected starter at cornerback opposite of Montaric Brown.
How big his role on offense will be remains to be seen, with Brian Thomas Jr., Parker Washington, and Jakobi Meyers leading the way, but the weekly matchups and in-game scenarios could help dictate what that looks like. Those factors could contribute to Hunter’s workload ebbing and flowing throughout the year.
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What Pereles said: “Is he a cornerback? Is he a wide receiver? Both? Is one much more than the other? Hunter’s rookie year was a disappointment even before his season-ending knee injury, but he is a tremendous talent. Based on the Jaguars’ roster construction, more duty at cornerback seems likely. Either way, he has to deliver if Jacksonville looks to build on its strong finish to last season.”
After a second-half surge last season, Lawrence ended 2025 as an MVP candidate. As his comfort in Liam Coen’s offense grew, so did his command pre-snap, which helped put that unit in advantageous looks. Lawrence was also more decisive post-snap.
Over the final eight games of the season, the offense averaged almost 33 points per game and Lawrence ranked fourth in total passing yards.
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He was also third in yards per pass attempt, second in passing touchdowns, and had the fifth-lowest turnover-worthy play rate. We also saw Lawrence make a lot of plays with his legs.
The continuity of being in Coen’s offense for another offseason could be the catalyst behind another jump. An area of emphasis for Lawrence this offseason has been on continuing to build his chemistry with his wideouts, particularly Brian Thomas Jr.
What Pereles said: “Lawrence ascended as one of the NFL’s very best down the stretch of last season, putting on a show with laser beams downfield and production with his legs, too. The flashes have always been there, and 2025 was the longest stretch of strong play he’s ever produced. Cutting out mistakes is key as the Jaguars, who didn’t do much this offseason, will look to Lawrence to be even better.”
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: Jaguars’ Travis Hunter, Trevor Lawrence among NFL’s most important players
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