Jaguars Bet on Coen’s Offense as Thomas Jr. and Travis Hunter Spark High Upside
Liam Coen enters his first season as head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars, with a PFF projection placing the team at 7.9 wins. The Jaguars finished 2024 at 4-13, good for third in the AFC South, setting a clear path for a potential bounce-back under new leadership.
Strengths: a loaded wide receiver duo in the making
Jacksonville’s offense should benefit from a pair of potential star receivers. Rookie Brian Thomas Jr. impressed in his first year with an 83.4 PFF receiving grade, placing him among the top-20 in the league and third among rookies. He also showed notable after-the-catch ability, finishing the season with the fourth-most yards after the catch in the NFL. Heading into 2025, Thomas Jr. is paired with Travis Hunter, a 2025 first-round pick who, despite logging nearly 800 snaps at cornerback in college, earned an 89.0 PFF receiving grade in college and ranked seventh in the FBS in that metric. If Trevor Lawrence stays protected and healthy, this pairing could give Jacksonville one of the league’s best outside targets.
Weaknesses: secondary depth and safety play
The Jaguars’ defense faces more questions, especially in the secondary. Last season’s shortcomings show up in PFF coverage grades, with the unit ranking 26th overall and safeties near the bottom in coverage. Hunter, Tyson Campbell, Jourdan Lewis and Jarrian Jones could stabilize cornerback work, but safety remains a concern, potentially limiting overall pass defense.
Quarterback spotlight: Trevor Lawrence
Lawrence logged a 2024 PFF grade of 76.8 and posted a 9.9-yard average depth of target, the second-highest mark in the NFL. That deeper target line helped explain a rough stretch for Lawrence—the most challenging passing performance of his career apart from his rookie year. Coen’s track record of refining quarterbacks—most notably guiding Baker Mayfield to a career-best season in Tampa Bay—provides a basis for optimism that he can elevate Lawrence in 2025.
Lawrence’s metrics from 2022–24 show a quarterback with strong traits but some inconsistencies, particularly on higher-difficulty throws and under duress. Still, the arising offense around him—especially with the rookie Thomas Jr. and the dual-threat potential of Hunter—gives Lawrence a clearer path to productive play if the protection holds up and the scheme emphasizes efficient, down-field opportunities.
Offensive watch: Brian Thomas Jr. and the hunter effect
Thomas Jr. emerged in a crowded rookie class thanks to his ability to win on teams’ outside routes and after the catch. His 83.4 PFF receiving grade was top-20 nationally and among the best for rookies. Hunter’s rare two-way potential adds another layer of intrigue: his high athletic profile could allow him to contribute as a receiver while still contributing on defense, potentially expanding Jacksonville’s playmaking ceiling as the season unfolds.
Defensive note: Josh Hines-Allen’s impact
On the defense, EDGE Josh Hines-Allen stood out as the Jaguars’ top-graded defender in 2024, posting an 83.4 PFF pass-rush grade and logging 63 regular-season pressures. His production reinforces Jacksonville’s hopes that a steadier pass rush can complement the secondary as the team aims to climb back into contention.
Rookie to watch: Travis Hunter
The Jaguars’ bold move to trade up to secure Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter is a game-changer story line for 2025. Hunter’s dual-sport impact—strength on offense and versatility on defense—could set him up as one of the league’s most valuable non-quarterbacks if he translates his two-way college brilliance to the NFL, where he’s expected to contribute early on offense as well as defense.
Fantasy snapshot
Lawrence has shown upside in the past, with a high big-time throw rate but also a notable turnover-worthy throw rate. The optimism around Coen’s system, coupled with Thomas Jr.’s emergence and Hunter’s arrival, points to improved fantasy potential in Jacksonville. A notable bet to watch: Travis Hunter Over 725.5 receiving yards (as of availability and line accuracy), given his expected heavier usage on offense as he transitions into his NFL role.
Bottom line
With Liam Coen orchestrating the offense, a healthy Trevor Lawrence, and the addition of Travis Hunter alongside a breakout Brian Thomas Jr., Jacksonville offers a brighter outlook than last season. However, the team still needs meaningful upgrades on the offensive line and in the secondary to truly compete for AFC South contention. If Coen can translate his track record of quarterback development to Lawrence and if Hunter can adapt to the NFL on offense as planned, Jacksonville could deliver a compelling bounce-back narrative in 2025.