The Jacksonville Jaguars were the real story in this year’s NFL Draft. They traded up to the second overall pick, inking Travis Hunter, the two-way prospect and player of some acclaim as the best player available. This aggressive move marks the latest display of the team’s desire to add talent to their roster. They are hellbent on protecting the quarterback as they make their run toward another title like in 2018, eyes pointed toward the 2025 season.
Travis Hunter, who flamboyantly displayed his two-way talent in college, could easily make the switch from cornerback to wide receiver in Jacksonville. If he can master both positions, which should be made even easier in altitude, his versatility will be a huge weapon for the Jaguars. The franchise surely believes that Hunter’s unique skill set and flexibility drastically lowers his bust potential. This alone would separate him from the other top prospects.
By signing Hunter, Jacksonville fills one of the biggest holes on defense. He is likely to start at corner opposite Tyson Campbell. Together, they might make an unholy combination that blankets the catches on the outside. To help surround their new star quarterback with talent, the Jaguars needed to increase their support for Lawrence. By choosing Hunter, they took a monumental step in the right direction. Hunter’s capability to contribute as a receiver adds depth to the Jaguars’ offensive strategy.
Yet the trade came at great cost. In exchange, you had to forgo this year’s 26th and 101st picks, and a first-round pick in 2026. There are plenty of folk in the public sector who would consider this to be an egregious overpay. In practical terms though, the compensation is even less than what the Houston Texans paid to move up for Will Anderson Jr. last draft. We gave the Jaguars a B- for this trade. This grade isn’t just a recognition of the dangerous gambit they undertook, but the reward of bringing in such a high-profile, game-changing talent.
Decades of research have shown that while some NFL teams are overly arrogant about their ability to judge college prospects. Hunter’s versatility minimizes this risk, making him a safer investment for the Jaguars. If he fulfills his predicted upside, this deal could be a franchise-altering move. It could determine the franchise’s fortunes for decades to come.
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