Jaguars Trade Up for Heisman Winner Travis Hunter at NFL Draft

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville Jaguars made a bold move in the 2025 NFL Draft, trading up to the No. 2 pick to select Colorado‘s Travis Hunter, a dual-threat player recognized as the best talent in the draft. General manager James Gladstone initially held low expectations for completing the trade with the Cleveland Browns but quickly found common ground.

During a press conference, Gladstone explained, “We engaged in those conversations with the idea that, ‘Hey, this is more than likely going to be a stretch.’ But as conversations progressed, our pursuit became more firm.” The Jaguars surrendered their fifth overall pick, two additional picks in this year’s draft, and a first-round selection in 2026 to secure Hunter.

Hunter, who notably won the Heisman Trophy and various other accolades in college, is viewed as a transformative player for the Jaguars. “He’s deserving of a first-round draft pick as a wide receiver, and he is worthy of a first-round draft pick as a corner,” Gladstone said, expressing excitement about Hunter joining the squad.

The Jaguars envision utilizing Hunter primarily as a receiver, pairing him with quarterback Trevor Lawrence and last year’s first-rounder, Brian Thomas Jr. This combination aims to revitalize the Jaguars’ offense, which struggled in recent seasons.

Hunter, originally a four-star recruit, explained his desire to play both sides of the ball in the NFL. “They told me they were going to let me go out there and do what I do,” he said, highlighting his readiness for the challenge ahead.

As Jacksonville’s first-round pick in over 50 years, this selection sets the tone for a new era under first-time general manager Gladstone and head coach Liam Coen. “There are players who can alter the trajectory of a team. There are very few players who can alter the trajectory of the sport itself,” Gladstone said, underscoring Hunter’s ability.

The Jaguars are optimistic about Hunter’s potential impact on both offense and defense. As they embark on a new chapter, the team looks to capitalize on Hunter’s unique abilities while navigating the challenges of his dual-role aspirations.