The Jacksonville Jaguars raised the roster floor in free agency. They needed to raise the roof in the NFL Draft. They did precisely that when they traded up to select Travis Hunter with the second overall pick.
You could make the case that the price the Jags paid to move up for Hunter was steep, but the truth is that it will be worth it when you take into account that he's the kind of difference-maker that "can alter the sport". But aside from the impact he will have on both sides of the ball, the arrival of the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner will benefit (and affect) several coaches and players.
With that in mind, here the winners and losers from the team's decision to draft Hunter.
Jaguars winner: Trevor Lawrence
The Jaguars made it clear that they were going to build around Trevor Lawrence. So far, they've put their money where their mouth is by making upgrades to the offensive line in free agency. More recently, they got him a new weapon in Travis Hunter.
While Lawrence has had no shortage of weapons, you will be hard-pressed to find someone who thinks his supporting cast was elite the past couple years. Hunter will change that when he lines up opposite Brian Thomas Jr.
Jaguars loser: RBs coach Chad Morton
This will be Chad Morton's first year as the Jaguars running backs coach, and there's no doubt that he would've loved to work with Ashton Jeanty. It wasn't meant to be, as the Jags * spoilers * passed on the former Boise State Bronco.
The silver lining is that Morton will get to coach Travis Etienne and Tank Bigsby. Neither is a slouch, and both of them should benefit from a fresh start under Morton.
Jaguars winner: WR Brian Thomas Jr.
Brian Thomas Jr.' electrifying rookie campaign looks even better in hindsight when you take into account that he was catching passes from Mac Jones for a good chunk of the season. Moreover, opposing defenses rotuinely zeroed in on him because the Jags didn't have anyone else who could draw coverage away from the former LSU Tiger. That will no longer be the case.
With Travis Hunter in the fold, opposing defenses will no longer be able to double-team Thomas, who'll benefit from more favorable matchups and a healthy Trevor Lawrence.
Jaguars loser: WR Gabe Davis
The writing is on the wall for Gabe Davis. A second-round pick in the 2020 draft, the former UCF Knight signed a three-year deal worth $39 million with the Jags last offseason. Expected to give the offense a big-play element in 2024, he was instead underwhelming, posting career lows for both catches and receiving yards.
Then, a new regime came, and Davis' odds of sticking around decreased. Just days before the draft, head coach Liam Coen didn't mention him when he discussed the team's skill-position players. The omission may or may not have been intentional, but it was a sign that he's surely on the outside looking in after Jacksonville drafted Travis Hunter.
Jaguars winner: DC Anthony Campanile
It's easy to forget that Travis Hunter not only thrived as a receiver but also excelled at cornerback during his collegiate career. In Jacksonville he'll have the advantage of not having to be thrust into a big role before he's ready.
That will in turn allow defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile to help Hunter hone his skills and make the transition to the pros. Another benefit will be that he'll learn how to better use Hunter's skillset and make the most of it.
Sure, Campanile would've loved to land another pass rusher or a defensive tackle in Round 1, but Hunter gives him an intriguing chess piece to work with.