Heading into the 2025 NFL draft, Colorado standout wide receiver and cornerback Travis Hunter was expected to be picked No. 2 overall by the Cleveland Browns. However, the Jacksonville Jaguars had other plans in mind.
To start off the draft, the Jaguars shook up everything by pulling off a blockbuster trade with the Browns to acquire the No. 2 pick. They quickly turned and drafted Hunter with that selection.
Hunter will now be a huge part of turning Jacksonville back into a playoff contender. He will give Trevor Lawrence a top-tier dynamic weapon and could also become a key impact player on the defensive side of the ball as well.
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Throughout the pre-draft process, Hunter was adamant about wanting to play both sides of the football. He would be one of the first to have that kind of role if things work out with the Jaguars.
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During his final college season with the Buffaloes, Hunter starred at both positions. His production led to a Heisman Trophy win.
As a wide receiver, Hunter racked up 96 receptions for 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns. Defensively, as a cornerback, he totaled 35 tackles, a forced fumble, four interceptions, and 11 defended passes.
Leading up to his rookie season, the 21-year-old star has received two head-turning predictions.
ESPN analyst Dan Graziano believes that Hunter might just finish top-three in both Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year award categories.
“Jaguars two-way star Travis Hunter will finish in the top three of voting for Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year,” Graziano wrote. “I want to say he’ll win both, but that seems like a long shot even for him. I just love Hunter’s abilities and want to get him into my predictions in some way.”
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Should Hunter be able to reach that level of play on each side of the football, Jacksonville would take a big step forward. After finishing the 2024 NFL season with a 4-13 record and missing the playoffs, the Jaguars need a big jump.
It’s quite possible that Hunter could give them the kind of jump that they need. At the very least, he projects to be a long-term superstar he could become the face of the franchise for Jacksonville for many years to come.
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