AFC Notes: Travis Hunter, CJ Stroud, Jaguars, Texans

• Jaguars GM James Gladstone excited about the offering from Day 3 draft picks and undrafted free agents as the season progresses: “We saw at the end of the season that there is a revival. We have seen an increase in usage. ” (JaguarsWire)
• As for the WR/CB Travis HunterOn the knee recovery, Gladstone said things are going as expected: “His rehabilitation program is going as expected. He is hitting hard.”
• Gladstone noted that Hunter will still play wide receiver and linebacker next season.
• Jaguars HC Liam Cohen added that Hunter is focused on rehabbing his condition and taking a mental approach to his development: “For him right now it’s about getting his morale right and coming in mentally.”
• Gladstone said nothing was clear “WR1” of their system under Coen, and football can be spread on any given game day: “WR1 is not really in the plan.”
• Coen said the WR Brian Thomas The youngest will continue to be the centerpiece of their offense after failing to achieve his rookie production: “BT will be 100% part of that.
• Gladstone thinks QB Trevor Lawrence had to a “clear uptick” in his command of Cohen’s system: I was really impressed. There was a clear increase in handling, control, comfort and playability.”
• As for the fourth year LB Devin LloydGladstone praised him for having “influential” year: “Such an impactful season. I’m very happy for Devin and his production this season.”
• About DE Travon Walker, Gladstone said they wanted to continue to associate with Walker: “He is someone we want to associate with going forward.”

Jaguars GM James Gladstone they said they are still waiting Travis Hunter standout at receiver and tailback in 2026, and is pleased with the progress he was making before a season-ending knee injury.

“We still expect him to play on both sides of the ball,” Gladstone said, via ESPN’s Michael DiRocco. “The steps he took in the middle of the season gave us a good feel for what the back half of the year would be like on both sides of the ball and what that impact would look like being part of the offense and having an impact player on defense. [the injury] It was a disappointing time but I still feel good about where we are heading this season and what we have to do next year.”

Gladstone felt that Hunter started to hit his stride midway through the season, but his injury derailed things.

“With Travis getting to a point in the middle of the season where you felt like he was starting to step up and make a real splash, and the bye program was to continue to build on that, [it was] it’s hard to see that happening down the backstretch,” said Gladstone.

Jaguars HC Liam Cohen he wants Hunter to take a mental approach this offseason as he recovers.

“For him right now it’s about getting his conditioning and getting in the mindset because of some of the limitations that we’re going to have throughout the offseason,” Coen said. “But I’m really excited to get back to work with Travis and continue to show up and see what that looks like.”

Texans pull out 30-6 win over Steelers in AFC Wild Card Round despite QB CJ Stroud throwing a cap and losing two fumbles after fumbles. Stroud understands that both teams will make big plays in the postseason.

“We knew on tape that they did a good job of drilling the ball or when you were throwing, you got your throwing arm,” Stroud said, via Aaron Wilson. “So, I tried to work on that all week. They make plays. These playoffs, in my experience, they’re going to make plays, we’re going to make plays. It’s all about moving forward and try your best to change it and move on.”

Texans LG Tytus Howard He praised Stroud for staying alert to mistakes.

“CJ was good all game,” Howard said. “Every time things didn’t go his way, he was still determined. We just encouraged him and let him know that we are back, we didn’t move. We knew that in the end we would have success and it ended up happening to us.”

Regarding his two fumbles after mishandling the shot-stoppers, Stroud said he needs to do a better job of catching the ball in shot sets.

“We had problems with snaps, I caught them,” said Stroud. “I have to find a way to catch them and take care of the ball.”