Perhaps the biggest move of the 2025 NFL Draft was when the Jacksonville Jaguars traded up from the No. 5 slot to second overall to select cornerback and wide receiver Travis Hunter out of Colorado. By moving up those three spots, Jacksonville had to give up their first-, second- and fourth-round selections (5th, 36th and 126th overall) and a 2026 first-round pick.
They didn't make that decision lightly, as head coach Liam Coen outlined what about Hunter pushed them to make the deal during his appearance on the "Pat McAfee Show" on Thursday.
"I think about a month prior to the draft, we started having some conversations," said Coen. (General manager) James (Gladstone) came into our office. It was Tony (defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile) and I sitting in here, and he said, 'Hey, what would you guys think if we could go and make this (trade) happen?'"
In addition to the No. 2 overall pick used to select Hunter, the Jaguars also received fourth- and sixth-round picks (104th and 200th overall).
"When you go through the evaluation process of Travis on both sides of the ball, you say, 'Yes, I would take him as a defensive back and I would take him as a receiver,'" Coen continued.
"Ultimately, it came down to we want to get a player and be the best player that he can be. He feels he can do some phenomenal things on both sides of the ball, which we appreciate. We want to give him that platform, while also knowing that when your best players are some of your hardest workers and are guys that truly love the game. That love every aspect of it. Eat, breathe and sleep this thing. That's who he is."
Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen (left) with first-round pick Travis Hunter (right)
Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen (left) with first-round pick Travis Hunter (right).
© Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Details have been limited, but the Jaguars intend to use Hunter on offense at the start of his career while slowly incorporating more responsibilities on defense over time.
Coen was named Jacksonville's head coach in January after spending the 2024 NFL season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as their offensive coordinator. The 39-year-old coach has no prior experience as a head coach.
Hunter, the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner, is coming off a phenomenal year with the Colorado Buffaloes. Last season, he caught 96 passes for 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns. Hunter also collected 36 combined tackles, one TFL, four interceptions and 11 passes defended.
In addition to the Heisman, the 22-year-old phenom also won the Walter Camp Award, Chuck Bednarik Award, Fred Biletnikoff Award, Lott Trophy and Paul Hornung Award.
Since Tuesday, Coen, Hunter and the rest of the Jaguars have been participating in mandatory minicamp.