The Jacksonville Jaguars had a wide array of options with the fifth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. They could've rolled with defensive tackle Mason Graham or gone offense with wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan. In the end, Jacksonville chose to trade up to the No. 2 spot to select two-way star Travis Hunter.
At the time of the pick, the Jags justified giving up a massive haul for the former Heisman Trophy winner because they saw him as a game-altering talent. However, he got off to a slow start to his rookie campaign, and a knee injury ultimately cut his rookie season short.
On the other hand, Hunter showed enough promise in 2025 to make you think that he can become an elite player in the NFL. The Jaguars are certainly confident that he will, which is why it would be odd to see them take a different path like they did in a recent NFL mock draft.
The Jaguars ditch Travis Hunter in favor of Tyler Booker in an NFL draft redo
Blake Brockermeyer of CBS Sports did a 2025 NFL draft do-over and had the Jags taking Tyler Booker over Travis Hunter at No. 2, noting that the Alabama product would've fortified their interior offensive line. Here's the skinny:
"Jacksonville's run game struggled as the season progressed, and the interior of the Jaguars' offensive line was also a low point," Brockermeyer wrote. "Tyler Booker solves both issues and will be an All-Pro soon."
Booker originally went 12th overall to the Dallas Cowboys. All things considered, he had a strong rookie year, giving up 25 pressures and just three sacks. The New Haven, Connecticut would've most definitely been an asset in the Jacksonville interior trenches.
Last year, the Jags signed Patrick Mekari to start at right guard. The former Cal Bear wasn't dreadful, but he wasn't great either, giving up 34 total pressures and two sacks. This was the first time in his career that he lined up at right guard, though, so it's fair to assume that he'll perform much better once he gets an even better grasp of the position next season.
Nevertheless, Booker would be an upgrade over Mekari. On top of that, he would have more upside, as he's only 22. That said, it wouldn't make sense to pass on Travis Hunter to select him.
Why the Jaguars wouldn't ditch Travis Hunter for Tyler Booker
It's extremely rare for guards to go in the top 5. Heck, you would need to go back to 2015 to find the last one who went fifth overall: Brandon Scherff, who spent most of his career with the Washington Commanders before suiting up for the Jaguars for three seasons. Before him, Leonard Davis went second overall with the Arizona Cardinals in 2002. And even then, he was originally drafted to line up at left tackle, not inside.
This is a long-winded way to say that the Jaguars wouldn't have drafted Tyler Booker, let alone given up a 2027 first-round pick and a 2026 second-round pick to move up for him. Could he develop into a great player? You bet, but it wouldn't make sense to give up such a haul for him.
Did Travis Hunter leave a bit to be desired as a rookie? Sure, but the Jaguars always knew that it was going to take him time to hit his stride in the NFL as a two-way player. He should be able to make a huge leap in Year 2 if he stays healthy.