The Jacksonville Jaguars didn't hesitate to trade up for Travis Hunter in the 2025 NFL Draft because they believe he can be a sport-altering talent. To put the former Colorado Buffalo in a position to succeed early on, the team's brass put together an onboarding to ensure his two-way skills translated into the pros. So far, the results have been mixed.
Hunter flashed potential at corner but didn't make any game-changing plays. On offense, he got off to a slow start but finally broke out against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 8. Unfortunately, it all came to a screeching halt when the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner suffered an LCL injury that cut his rookie campaign short.
Fast forward to 2026, and the West Palm Beach native is expected to have an even bigger role on defense. The Jaguars can surely hope that he can pick up where he left off. Otherwise, the decision will get even more criticism than it already has. Then again, the pick wouldn't be under so much scrutiny if Jacksonville didn't have to trade up to select him second overall, which is precisely what happens in a recent draft do-over.
The Jaguars don't trade up for Travis Hunter but still draft him
NFL Nation at ESPN redid the 2025 NFL Draft and had the Jags staying put at No. 5, with Travis Hunter somehow available when they're on the clock. They don't think twice and turn in the card with his name on it. Here's the skinny.
"This is a dream scenario for the Jaguars, who got the player they coveted without having to give up any picks (including a 2026 first-round)," Michael DiRocco of ESPN wrote. "Hunter's rookie season ended after seven games because of a knee injury, but the Jaguars are still committed to him being a two-way player."
Hunter was the highest-graded receiver and cornerback in last year's draft. He was the first player in the modern era who intended to play full-time in the NFL coming out of college, making it clear that he would quit football if a team limited him to one side of the ball. Fortunately, the Jags gladly met his unwavering demand. Heck, Jacksonville willingly gave up a 2026 first-round pick and a 2025 second-round pick (along with a swap of fourth-rounders) to move up for him.
In case you were wondering, the Tennessee Titans still roll with quarterback Cam Ward with the top pick. The Cleveland Browns pick Tyler Sough at No. 2, while Jaxson Dart goes third overall to the New York Giants. The New England Patriots, for their part, stick with offensive tackle Will Campbell once again with the No. 4 pick.
The Jaguars are confident Travis Hunter willl turn into a game-changer
Props to James Gladstone because he could've taken the safe route, but instead chose to make a bold bet. Still, there's a chance he could have landed Travis Hunter without having to give up two premium draft picks. Then again, Gladstone wouldn't have pulled the trigger if he didn't think No. 12 could develop into a game-changer on both offense and defense. He nows enter Year 2 needing to live up to expectations.
The good news is that the Hunter should be back at full strength after undergoing season-ending knee surgery. Having gotten accclimated to the NFL and its rigors last year, he should have no trouble picking up where he left off.
And if Travis Hunter lives up to this two-way promise, you won't hear much about the Jaguars needing to give up a massive haul to trade up for him.