The Jacksonville Jaguars have no regrets by picking Travis Hunter with the overall second pick in the 2025 NFL Draft after trading up from the fifth, as their general manager reveals exactly what the team thinks of the Heisman Trophy-winning star.
The 21-year-old was tipped to be the overall first pick but this eventually went to Cam Ward, who joined the Tennessee Titans. All the same, that didn’t stop the Jaguars from making a bold statement in their pursuit of Hunter.
In a high-stakes deal with the Cleveland Browns, the Jaguars secured the rights to the Colorado Buffaloes alumni; who starred as both a wide receiver and a cornerback as he led the team to the Alamo Bowl in the NCAA.
Making 96 receptions for 1258 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2024/25, Hunter also doubled up on defense with 35 tackles, 11 pass deflections, a forced fumble and four interceptions to become the breakout story of the season. It’s clear why Jacksonville wanted him.
And on Friday, April 25 he was formally introduced to the media alongside James Gladstone, who has absolutely no hangups about picking Hunter ahead of the likes of Ashton Jeanty and Shedeur Sanders.
“Travis Hunter embodies belief,” Gladstone told reporters. “He’s a rare person. He’s a rare player.
“He’s also a reminder that the boundaries of football were built to be challenged. The decision to select him was actually a statement.”
Hunter pick signals new era for Jaguars
The move is being viewed not only as a draft pick, but as a strategic declaration about the future of the Jaguars franchise as the new general manager aims to imprint his identity on the EverBank Stadium.
The arrival of both Gladstone and also a new head coach in Liam Coen signals a fresh chapter for the AFC South side as they look to take the fight to the Houston Texans, Titans and Indianapolis Colts.
The selection of Hunter as the first draft pick under this new regime speaks volumes about their intent to build a versatile, high-impact roster from the ground up; however, the acquisition came at a significant cost.
To move up three spots, the Jaguars parted with a substantial package of draft capital, including their first-round selection in 2026 which is when the highly-rated Arch Manning will be on the market.
Though the full implications of the trade won’t be clear for years, the organization appears confident that Hunter‘s impact will justify the investment. However, in Jacksonville, the tone is one of transformation and ambition.
While only time will tell whether the trade yields success, Gladstone and Coen are betting on Hunter to be a foundational piece in their rebuild. It’s a gamble that could reshape the team’s identity for years to come.
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