Jaguars Eye Travis Hunter: Bold Trade Up Could Shake Up the NFL Draft
The Jacksonville Jaguars, led by new Head Coach Liam Coen and General Manager James Gladstone, are reportedly considering a daring move in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft. Sources indicate that the Jaguars are exploring a trade up to the No. 2 overall pick, currently held by the Cleveland Browns, to select Colorado Buffaloes’ two-way sensation, Travis Hunter. This potential move could send shockwaves through the entire draft and significantly alter the Jaguars’ trajectory.
The Buzz: Rapoport’s Report and Boselli’s Blueprint
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that the Jaguars are “plotting a potential move to No. 2” to snag Hunter. Rapoport suggested that such a move would require the Jaguars to surrender “major future draft capital,” potentially including a first-round pick. This aligns with reports that the Browns have been receiving trade calls for the No. 2 pick.
Adding fuel to the fire, Jaguars’ Executive Vice President of Football Operations, Tony Boselli, hinted at the team’s offensive intentions. Speaking on Action News Jax, Boselli emphasized the need for players who can “score touchdowns,” suggesting the Jaguars are targeting skill position players to bolster their offense around franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
Why Travis Hunter? A Generational Talent
Travis Hunter is not your average draft prospect. He’s a legitimate two-way star, excelling as both a wide receiver and a cornerback. In 2024, Hunter showcased his exceptional versatility, playing over 700 snaps on both offense and defense. He won the Fred Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s best receiver and the Chuck Bednarik Award as the nation’s best defender. Hunter also secured the Heisman Trophy, becoming the first player in NCAA history to win all three awards in the same season.
As a receiver, Hunter boasts exceptional route-running skills, reliable hands, and the ability to make plays at all three levels of the field. In his final year at Colorado, he hauled in 92 receptions for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns. His ability to create separation and win contested catches makes him a constant threat to opposing defenses.
Defensively, Hunter is a fluid and instinctive cornerback with excellent ball skills and coverage ability. He allowed just 22 receptions on 38 targets in 2024, with four interceptions and 11 pass breakups. His defensive passer rating allowed of 38.7 ranked first among Power Five corners with 400+ coverage snaps.
Several analysts have lauded Hunter’s potential, with some suggesting he could be an All-Pro at either position. His unique skill set and playmaking ability have drawn comparisons to Hall of Famer Champ Bailey, who also played both ways in college, and current NFL stars like Justin Jefferson and Garrett Wilson.
Jaguars’ Needs and Hunter’s Fit
The Jaguars have several needs to address in the 2025 NFL Draft. While opinions vary, most analysts agree that defensive tackle, edge rusher, safety, linebacker, and wide receiver are among the team’s top priorities.
The Jaguars traded away Christian Kirk this offseason and allowed tight end Evan Engram to leave in free agency. While they signed Dyami Brown to pair with Brian Thomas Jr. and Gabe Davis, there’s not a true No. 2 receiver in the mix. The Jags could also use help at cornerback, even after signing slot corner Jourdan Lewis. They have Tyson Campbell to man one perimeter spot but could certainly use an upgrade across from him.
Hunter’s versatility allows him to address multiple needs for the Jaguars. He could immediately step in as a starting wide receiver, providing Trevor Lawrence with a dynamic weapon to complement Brian Thomas Jr.. Hunter could also contribute as a cornerback, upgrading the team’s secondary and providing valuable depth.
The Cost of a Trade Up
Trading up to the No. 2 overall pick would not be cheap. The Jaguars would likely have to part with significant draft capital, potentially including their first-round pick (No. 5 overall) and additional picks in the 2025 and future drafts.
Some analysts believe that the Jaguars could be better off trading down from No. 5 to acquire more picks and address multiple needs. However, the opportunity to draft a player like Travis Hunter may be too good to pass up, even if it means sacrificing future assets.
New Regime, Bold Moves
The Jaguars’ potential pursuit of Travis Hunter reflects the bold approach of the team’s new leadership. Head Coach Liam Coen and General Manager James Gladstone are looking to make a splash and inject talent into the roster.
Gladstone, a protégé of Los Angeles Rams GM Les Snead, is known for his willingness to make aggressive moves and prioritize talent acquisition. As one NFL analyst put it, the Jaguars’ new regime is “trying to make a big splash to bring in one of the ‘blue-chip’ prospects in this year’s class.”
The Clock is Ticking
With the 2025 NFL Draft just hours away, the Jaguars’ intentions remain unclear. Will they stay at No. 5 and select a player like Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham or Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty? Or will they make a bold move to trade up for Travis Hunter?
One thing is certain: the Jacksonville Jaguars are a team to watch in this year’s draft. Their potential pursuit of Travis Hunter could reshape the landscape of the NFL and usher in a new era of Jaguars football.