Jaguars roll with Travis Hunter in latest NFL Mock Draft (but have better options)

Nobody will deny Travis Hunter is a playmaker. Heck, teams would love to have a shot at landing him in the 2025 NFL Draft. If the Jacksonville Jaguars end up clinching the first overall pick, they'll be in a position to call dibs on the Colorado standout, which is what they do in Fansided's latest mock. Then again, the Jags may have better options.

Colton Edwards of Fansided has Jacksonville taking Hunter with the top pick, arguing that they need more weapons beyond rookie sensation Brian Thomas Jr. That said, it's not a given that he'll play wide receiver in the NFL, and that's something clubs will keep an eye on during the draft process.

"The Jaguars address two significant needs with one draft pick: a wide receiver and a defensive back. While rookie sensation Brian Thomas Jr. is an exciting addition, a successful offense requires more than just one weapon. Additionally, the Jaguars need help throughout their defense, and selecting Travis Hunter will strengthen their secondary.

Whether he will play both ways or if the team that drafts him will position him in one specific role will be determined later."

Hunter is having a banner season as a receiver, hauling in 69 receptions for 865 yards with nine touchdowns. He's also excelling on defense, giving up just 17 receptions on 25 targets for 125 yards with no touchdowns. Regardless of what position he chooses to play, he could most definitely help the Jags.

The Jags gave Gabe Davis a three-year deal worth $39 million in free agency, but he's left much to be desired. He's on pace to post career lows for both catches and yards in a season. His catch rate of 48.6 percent is also less than ideal. Maybe the Fernandina Beach native will turn the corner, but signing him currently looks like a bad decision.

Hunter could line up opposite Thomas and become the WR2 the Jaguars thought Davis would be. Conversely, he could play opposite cornerback Tyson Campbell, on defense.

Aside from Campbell, the Jaguars have Montaric Brown and Ronald Darby. The former is better suited for a backup role, and the latter, now in his 10th NFL season, has seemingly lost a step. Rookie Jarrian Jones is also in the mix but he appears to be a better fit in the slot than the boundaries. Hunter could come in and be CB2 right off the bat.

It's worth noting that Fansided isn't the only platform that has the Jacksonville Jaguars taking Travis Hunter at No. 1. Sports Illustrated also envisions them taking the same path. Having said that, the Jags may get more bang for their buck if they take a different route.

For starters, taking a receiver with the top overall selection is highly uncommon. The last time a team drafted a receiver with the No. 1 pick was when the New York Jets chose Keyshawn Johnson in 1996. That was nearly 30 years ago. Add the fact that the Jags have Brian Thomas Jr. in the fold, and choosing Hunter to play receiver seems like a long shot.

Even if Hunter chooses to play cornerback, drafting him first overall might not be the best course of action. What then, should Jacksonville do? It depends.

If the Jags want Hunter, they could move down, but not outside the top 5, and take him. On the other hand, there will be several intriguing options at wide receiver and cornerback in the first round, so the Jags could easily trade down, garner extra picks along the way, and still land a playmaker. Similarly, drafting an offensive tackle early shouldn't be ruled out if Walker Little leaves in free agency.

Make no mistake, the Jaguars would probably end with a playmaker if they go with Travis Hunter, but they might have better options and must consider all of them.

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