Maybe Week 1 is too early, but we're doing it anyway: It's time to recap the draft and see what's changed the past few months. New general manager James "Loves a good deal" Gladstone traded everything but the kitchen sink to move the Jacksonville Jaguars up to No. 2 and select two-way star Travis Hunter.
Was it worth it? Of course, it's too early to tell—I mean, he's played one preseason game—but he's been everything the Jaguars bargained and then some.
Hunter mostly practiced at receiver in the offseason program but began to get reps at corner by mandatory minicamp. By training camp, he was already practicing on both sides on the same day. And along the way, he showed the playmaking skills that made him the highest rated prospect coming out of Colorado in this year's draft.
This begs the question, would the Jags do it all over again? Brad Gagnon of Bleacher Report believes that they would.
Related:Titans' spot in NFL power rankings proves Jaguars have their work cut out
Bleacher Report thinks the Jaguars would draft Travis Hunter again
Brad Gagnon recently took a look back at the 2025 NFL Draft. Unsurprisingly, with the benefit of even a little bit of hindsight, he made some changes to the first round. For example, despite running back Ashton Jeanty's obvious talent, it's clear now that the Las Vegas Raiders should have taken quarterback Jaxson Dart. The rookie looks poised to take the reins from Russell Wilson sooner rather than later.
What didn't change? The Jaguars taking Travis Hunter at No. 2. Gagnon rightfully calls the Heisman Trophy winner "the best player in the draft class." Despite missing a pair of games with an upper chest injury, hopes still remain high that Hunter can play up to his potential—and play on both sides of the ball. Some have even made the bold prediction that he could accomplish the impossible and win both offensive and defensive rookie of the year.
Plus, the man can dance. That can't hurt his chances.
This Travis Hunter X Trevor Lawrence Adidas Commercial Is 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/oNU01RKOJC
— Hundred Bands (@hundredbandstv) September 3, 2025
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Final thoughts
The season approaches, and the Jaguars are once more riding toward it loaded up on hopes and optimism. It's the only thing that's kept fans aloft for decades, so why not? This year might feel the most hopeful—at least, the most hopeful since last year.
But it's football. It's supposed to be hopeful.
