This is not your regular old Jaguars. This new regime of Liam Coen, James Gladstone, and Tony Boselli are BOLD. And it’s exactly what this organization and fan base needed.
The Jacksonville Jaguars land the number one player in this class. And draft their first ever Heisman winner, as crazy as that may sound. Change is coming to Jacksonville, let’s discuss this monumental move!
Trade Compensation
The Jaguars traded 5th overall, 36th, 126th, and their 2026 1st round selection for 2nd overall, 104th, and 200th. The trade mark of Gladstone being bold, and not flinching is setting precedence that they are seeking ceiling raisers in the draft truly. Hunter will lift the ceiling on both sides of the ball and the status of the organization itself. Gladstone is one of the few General Managers that has experience operating without a first round and focusing on day 2 & 3 selections, 2026 will be no different. Gladstone is equipped for this and will find success.
The Jaguars avoided moving a third round selection, and swapped 4th’s (and have a second one to boot). Losing 36th overall stings, but this regime is prepared with analytics for later round projections and ammunition to move back into the second. How realistic is it they move into the 50’s? I think you can see how aggressive this regime will be. Time will tell if they want to address the corner or receiver position again. Which leads us to…
Corner or Receiver?
Travis Hunter heard his name called tonight on April 24th, 2025, followed by wide receiver and cornerback. Exactly what the Heisman winner wanted to hear on draft night. Coen and Gladstone have stated Hunter will primarily play receiver and play snaps at corner fluidly. This creates an opportunity for Jacksonville to truly flesh out Coen’s offense and transform this team’s identity. Jacksonville added superstar wide receivers in back to back drafts.
This is good news for Trevor Lawrence, Brian Thomas Jr., and the Jaguars offense as this could turn into a top 5 wide receiver unit quickly. Lawrence has another weapon at his disposal, while corner is no longer a need either. The Jaguars double dipped while acquiring one player. The question is, who gets the majority of CB2 snaps? Jarrian Jones, Jourdan Lewis, Hunter and another potential second draft selection at corner could be fitting for that role. Now we’re asking…
What’s Next?
The Jaguars have picks 70, 88, 104, and 107 with their next four selections. They could target a trade up into the 50’s if they want to select in the second round. Gladstone has set the tone they will be aggressive, early and often. The Jaguars are no longer afraid to be bold just like Jacksonville has the moniker of “ Bold City”. Being bold and getting difference makers was a major part of owner Shad Khan’s statement in regard to the Hunter selection.
Some of the prospects I expect for them to target include Alfred Collins, Xavier Watts, Donovan Ezeiruaku, Darius Alexander and Kevin Winston Jr. The Jaguars must focus on addressing defensive tackle, safety, and continue in their effort to create an improved situation for Lawrence. Could they add another interior linemen? Another weapon for Lawrence? With the roster turnover expected, anything could happen next! The Jaguars could even grab another corner like Nohl Williams on day 2 with Hunter primarily playing wideout. Hunter spoke with both coordinators on his draft call and combine meeting but will begin at receiver in camp.
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