Travis Hunter would be perfect solution for one of Jaguars' most glaring issues
The Jacksonville Jaguars aren't doing well right now. In fact, they're on track to clinch a top-10 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. That's not necessarily a bad thing when you take into account that they would have a realistic shot at landing Colorado's two-way star Travis Hunter.
Brent Sobleski of Bleacher Report talked about the best fits in the 2025 draft for the worst NFL teams this season and had Hunter going to Jacksonville, arguing that he would give their struggling defense a much-needed boost.
"From a personnel standpoint, the Jaguars are the league's second-worst defense and rank dead last in pass defense. The organization isn't likely to give up on quarterback Trevor Lawrence, whom it signed to a five-year, $275 million extension this past offseason. The logical path will be to build a better defense to play complementary football."
This is noteworthy because teams, including the Jags, could see Hunter as a receiver. In Jacksonville, he could replace an underwhelming Gabe Davis and line up opposite rookie sensation Brian Thomas Jr. However, Sobleksi thinks he would have a bigger impact on defense, and cites colleague Cody Giddins when discussing why the Florida native would be better off playing corner with the Jags.
"Hunter would bring much-needed versatility, athleticism and playmaking ability to the Jaguars' secondary. His length and twitchy speed would make him an excellent match for Jacksonville's aggressive defensive scheme, where cornerbacks need to excel in both man and zone coverages."
Whether Hunter plays cornerback or receiver, he's slated to go in the top 10, maybe top 5 in 2025. Based on how their season is unfolding, the Jaguars might have a realistic chance to select him. In fact, Colorado head coach Deion Sanders thinks Jacksonville would be a legitimate landing spot for the Heisman candidate.
Having said that, the Jaguars could take another route when you take into account that they'll have a handful of needs to address in next year's draft.
Why Travis Hunter would be a great fit for the Jaguars
The Jaguars gave cornerback Tyson Campbell a $76.5 million contract in the offseason. While he's struggled with injuries the past two years, it's hard to see them moving on from him anytime soon. On the other hand, they'll need someone who can line up on the opposite side of the field. Roland Darby has been the starter throughout the season but he's struggled.
Montaric Brown has certainly shown progress but it's uncertain if he'll be the long-term answer opposite Campbell. Also in the mix is rookie Jarrian Jones but he's mostly played in the slot, and that's probably where he's at his best. That's where Hunter could come in handy. He would give the Jaguars a starting cornerback that would allow Brown to take on a reserve role.
When you take into account that Montaric Brown is entering a contract year in 2025, replenishing the cornerback room could be the best course of action for the Jaguars early in next year's draft.
Why the Jaguars wouldn't roll with Travis Hunter
The Jaguars would surely love to have a lockdown cornerback opposite Tyson Campbell but they will also need to take care of the offensive line and pass rush. Starting offensive guard Brandon Scherff, along with offensive tackles Walker Little and Cam Robinson are set to become free agents next offseason. That's two holes the front office will need to fill, and they'll probably do it in the draft because they'll have a limited amount of cap space to work with in free agency.
On defense, the Jaguars could use a third pass rusher behind Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen. They're having a hard time getting after the quarterback this season and bringing in a No. 3 would give their rotation a much-needed boost. Moreover, safety Andre Cisco is slated to hit the open market, and if he leaves, that's another position the team's brass will need to address.
Simply put, Travis Hunter would be an enticing pick in the first round but the truth but he'll be far from the only option the Jacksonville Jaguars will have.