The Jacksonville Jaguars young, new regime wasted no time putting their stamp on the 2025 NFL Draft.
The Jaguars pulled off a massive trade with the Cleveland Browns for two-way Colorado superstar Travis Hunter that insider Adam Schefter said has been in the works for weeks.
The Jaguars sent Cleveland their No. 5 overall pick, as well as Nos. 36 (second round) and 126 (fourth round) this year, and a 2026 first-rounder. The Browns sent fourth- and sixth-round picks back to Jacksonville in the blockbuster deal.
MORE: What Travis Hunter said about Jaguars blockbuster trade with Browns to draft him No. 2 overall
While Hunter expects to play both wide receiver and cornerback for Jacksonville — “They put me on the phone with both coordinators,” he said shortly after the Jaguars made their selection — he figures to make his biggest impact for new head coach Liam Coen’s offense. Hunter hauled in 96 receptions for 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns for Colorado in 2024, and he’ll be a scary proposition for defenses running routes opposite Brian Thomas Jr.
Hunter also earned a 90.3 coverage grade on defense last year, per PFF’s premium stats, so he should also help a Jaguars defense that ranked among the NFL’s worst in 2024.
Did Jacksonville’s new, 34-year-old GM overpay for a player those in Duval County view as the best overall player in this year’s class? Here’s what some of experts are saying about Gladstone’s bold move for Hunter:
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Expert grades for Jaguars trade for Travis Hunter at No. 2 overall
Prisco: “This is the move the franchise had to make. Hunter is a star, the best player in this draft. Jacksonville had to be bold now and this is bold. It's a great move.”
Iyer: “The Jaguars pulled off the first draft shocker by giving up plenty, including a first-rounder next year, to land Hunter to help them with key needs on both sides of the ball. Hunter will be a key target opposite rising star wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., the team's first-rounder in 2024. Hunter also will shore up corner opposite Tyson Campbell, helping battling some tough wideouts in the AFC South and beyond. The minus is only for the high cost.”
Easterling: “New GM James Gladstone is wasting zero time making a big splash in Duuuuuuuvaaaaaaaal, making a bold move up the board to land the best overall player in the draft. Hunter is a rare talent who can make an immediate impact on both sides of the ball, and even with the hefty price tag to move up just three spots, he's well worth it as one of the few truly special prospects in this year's draft. No matter where he lines up for Jacksonville, Hunter will be a big-play magnet when the ball comes his way.”
Ostly: “Jacksonville makes the first big splash of the night by moving up from No. 5 overall to No. 2 and select the consensus top player of the class. Hunter is a two-way star with All-Pro potential at cornerback and can be a solid No. 2 wideout on offense for the Jaguars. They gave up a steep price to move up three spots, though, and that's why the Jaguars do not get an A.”
McDonald: The Jaguars have made the first bold move of the draft, with new general manager James Gladstone taking the “F them picks” approach from his former workplace with the Rams. The Jaguars are getting the best player in the draft and will get to decide his fate on offense or defense, but Hunter plans on playing both ways. Obviously the Jaguars have not spoken much about Hunter prior to the draft, but it’s hard to hate on a team that already believes they have their quarterback moving up and getting Hunter.
MORE: NFL Draft grades 2025: Live results, analysis for every pick in Rounds 1-3