The Jacksonville Jaguars made a big splash on Day 1 of the NFL Draft sending a haul over to the Cleveland Browns in order to move up to pick 2 from their originally slated pick 5. Lets not waste any time and dive right into the huge move.
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Game on
The package is as follows:
The Cleveland Browns Receive -Pick 5; Pick 36; Pick 126; and a 2026 1st round pick
In exchange
The Jacksonville Jaguars Receive -Pick 2; Pick 104; Pick 200
The Decision
With that second overall pick the Jaguars selected Cornerback/Wide Receiver/Do it all athlete – Travis Hunter. Hunter said when he got the call from the Jaguars that he spoke to both, Offensive Coordinator Grant Udinski and Defensive Coordinator Anthony Campanile. Speaking to both coordinators hints at the potential of him truly playing both ways.
The Jaguars General Manager James Gladstone has preached bringing in “Intangibly Rich” individuals. There is no prospect in this class that fits that mold better than Travis Hunter. The true definition of “intangibly rich” is up for personal interpretation. But, from what leadership has said in regard to the phrase, they look for players who are all-in, hardworking, and physical both in play style and in physical gifts. Of course intangibles are not just physical – it is also important to value the individual as a person- when doing this they search for focused, smart, tough and determined individuals. Or as Defensive Coordinator Anthony Campanile simply puts it – “Dawgs.”
Travis Hunter The Wide Receiver
As a player Travis Hunter is one of one, a unicorn, Dare I say a generational prospect. Hunter as a wide receiver displays true WR1 ability- of course in Jacksonville he would likely be slated at WR2 next to Brian Thomas Jr.- He displays incredible route running prowess at all levels of the field consistently winning with his technique and speed. After the catch, Hunter is one of the deadliest players with the ball in his hands constantly making guys miss and evading incoming defenders. At the catch point you will struggle to find somebody better in this class or any other class then Hunter. He is truly elite at high pointing and tracking the ball while in the air, leading to some big time wins on contested catches. On top of all his natural ability and incredible technique, Hunter is also an incredibly smart player. His IQ is on display when dissecting zone defenses and playing both instinctually and on time on option or choice routes. Hunter as a Wide Receiver alone is worth the number 2 overall selection in this class, but he does much more than just play wide receiver.
Travis Hunter The Cornerback
Let’s talk defense- Hunter is also worth the number 2 overall selection in this class as a standalone corner. As discussed he boasts incredible ball skills and natural athleticism which is also on display on the defensive side of the ball. Natural gifts aside, Hunter’s instincts help make him a truly special cornerback prospect. His instincts in route recognition and overall processing speed is second to none. The incredible instincts and processing speed lead to countless plays in both press man and off zone coverages. Hunter also has fluid hips and displays incredible route mirroring ability allowing him to thrive in any coverage asked of him. Adding to the intangibly rich category, is his toughness and competitive edge, which jumps off the tape in his eagerness to get involved in the run game.
Can He Maintain His Two-Way Status?
Hunter truly has the potential to be both a teams number 1 cornerback and number 1 wide receiver. But can he do both at the same time? Let’s talk about how realistic that is and how he fits in the Jaguars plans.
Can a 6 foot 185 pound player start both ways and play over 100 snaps a game in the NFL? A question many thought would never have to be asked, will likely soon be answered. The Jaguars gave up a lot for the right to select Hunter and it is fair to assume they did so because they have a plan to maximize his talent and opportunity on both sides of the ball. While he may not play the amount of snaps he played at Colorado, it is believed he will have the opportunity to play in some fashion on both sides of the ball.
In terms of his fit with the Jaguars from a personnel perspective, he would immediately slot in as the sidekick and number 2 wide receiver next to Brian Thomas Jr. on offense . While defensively he would immediately be the number 1 corner – or at least the most talented corner on the roster- if given the opportunity. Even his presence moonlighting on a second side of the ball, will elevate the floor and especially the ceiling of either the wide receiver or the cornerback room.
Outlook
In the post draft press conference General Manager James Gladstone said the following – “There are very few, and it’s rare to be able to target and prioritize a player who can alter the sport itself. And Travis is somebody that we view has the potential to do that.” Gladstone continued, “Obviously there’s a lot for him to learn as he steps into the NFL, but we view him through the lens of unique and it’s exciting for us to be able to add someone to this organization who by being nothing more than who he is, elevates the space around him.”
Clearly through the words of the man calling the shots, we can see that the Jaguars brass believes there is no ceiling to what Hunter can do not only for the team, but for the sport itself. Look for Hunter to be labeled as a “primary wide receiver” but if he displays a mastery of the playbook and proves he can split practice reps, don’t be surprised if we see the first NFL player “fully” going both ways.
True To His Word
Weeks ago at the NFL Combine James Gladstone said the following about himself and the leadership core. “One of the trademarks of our leadership group is when there is an opportunity be bold…we wont flinch.” Through 1 round of this groups very first draft that was put on full display. It is a new era in Jacksonville! An era of hope, change and boldness. This is only the beginning, get ready for more aggression and action from this group tomorrow when Day 2 starts back up.
Be sure to follow my coverage of all things Jaguars and NFL on X @JagsRealist.
