The Jacksonville Jaguars will try to get a playmaker with the fifth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Travis Hunter certainly fits the description, as he could help them on offense and defense. The issue is that most of the teams that pick before the Jags may also be targeting the former Colorado Buffaloe. In fact, a recent report from The Athletic indicates that he'll be gone way before they're on the clock.
Jeff Howe of The Athletic reported that Hunter is expected to go to the Cleveland Browns, pointing out that
"In fact, there’s a growing belief around the league that Hunter is the favorite to go to the Cleveland Browns with the No. 2 pick, according to high-ranking executives and coaches. The Browns have been high on Hunter throughout the process, according to sources. And as he went through his route tree Friday during warmups, Browns general manager Andrew Berry watched intently from 10 yards away."
Based on different reports, it looks like the Browns will draft either Hunter or Abdul Carter. Earlier in the offseason, it looked like the latter was going to be the pick. However, chatter about the former going to Cleveland is picking up steam less than three weeks ahead of the draft.
But even if the Browns rolled with Hunter, the Jaguars would need to worry about either the New York Giants or the New England Patriots taking him.
The Giants signed Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston in free agency, so they can afford to pass on a quarterback at No. 3. Add the fact that they might be on win-mode now, and it's easy to see them trying to get a player who can make an impact right off the bat (e.g. Hunter).
Similarly, the Pats drafted Drake Maye last year, so they aren't in need of a signal-caller. They need to add an offensive lineman or a pass rusher, but if Hunter is available, they may not pass up the chance to draft him.
This is a long-winded way to say that the odds of the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner falling to the Jags seem slim.
Related story: 5 free-agent signings who could be one and done with the Jaguars in 2025
Travis Hunter to the Jaguars at No. 5 seems highly unlikely
The Jacksonville Jaguars could most definitely use Travis Hunter, regardless of where he played played full-time. On offense, he would form a dynamic receiving duo opposite Brian Thomas Jr. As a cornerback, he could turn the unit into a strength. The issue is that unless the Jags move up a few spots, they'll most likely miss out on him.
Heck, trading up may not be a realistic possibility. For starters, the price to move up two or three spots may be too high. On top of that, the teams in front of Jacksonville appear to be comfortable with where they'll be picking. The silver lining is that Hunter, as talented as he is, isn't the only prospect who could help the Jags. The silver lining is that Hunter, as talented as he is, isn't the only prospect who could help the Jags at No. 5.
Mason Graham would round out their defensive line rotation, or Armand Membou could start somewhere in the offensive trenches. Similarly, Jalon Walker could give Jacksonville the No. 3 pass rusher it needs behind Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen.
The bottom line is that the Jacksonville Jaguars surely understand that Travis Hunter won't be available at No. 5 and are planning accordingly so they come out of the draft with a potential building block.
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