Jaguars Select Travis Hunter Second Overall in NFL Draft

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — The Jacksonville Jaguars traded up three spots in the NFL Draft to select Travis Hunter, the two-way star from Colorado and Heisman Trophy winner, with the No. 2 overall pick on Thursday.

In the deal with the Cleveland Browns, the Jaguars gave up their No. 5 pick, a second-round selection (No. 36), a fourth-round pick (No. 126), and a first-rounder for 2026. The Browns received the No. 2 pick as well as a fourth-round (No. 104) and a sixth-round (No. 200) pick.

Hunter had an outstanding collegiate career, becoming the first full-time defensive player to win the Heisman Trophy since Charles Wooden in 2024, and racked up impressive stats with 15 touchdown receptions and four interceptions during the season. He played a total of 1,481 snaps, nearly 300 more than any other player in college football.

Hunter started his college career at Jackson State in 2022 before transferring to Colorado, where he became one of the most explosive two-way players in the game. He has expressed a desire to continue playing both offense and defense in the NFL.

“I’m ready to show what I can do on both sides of the ball,” Hunter said after the selection. “This is a dream come true for me and my family.”

General manager James Gladstone and head coach Liam Coen are entering their positions in Jacksonville with high expectations. By acquiring Hunter, they aimed to bring more explosiveness to the Jaguars, particularly alongside starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence.

Hunter is listed at 188 pounds and was a standout player at Collins Hill High School in Suwanee, Georgia, where he racked up 272 receptions for 3,963 yards and 48 touchdowns, alongside impressive defensive stats.

This selection places Hunter in elite company, as he is one of only two players from Colorado to be drafted as high as No. 2, alongside running back Bo Matthews in 1974.

As the Jaguars prepare for the upcoming season, all eyes will be on how they utilize Hunter’s unique talents on the field.