During the 2025 NFL Draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars traded up, exchanging their No. 5 overall pick with the Cleveland Browns for their No. 2. The goal: Heisman Trophy-winning wide receiver and cornerback Travis Hunter. Beyond just swapping places in the first round, it was an expensive investment for the Jaguars. Jacksonville's senior writer John Oesher breaks down the details.
"The Jaguars in addition to the No. 5 selection also traded to the Browns the No. 36 (Round 2) and No. 126 (Round 4) selections in the '25 draft—and their first-round selection in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Jaguars received from the Browns the Nos. 104 (Round 4) and 200 (Round 6) selections in the '25 draft."
The question: was it worth it? Yes, I'm aware that we're only six games in, and this kind of analysis can only be "was it worth it so far?" Still, that didn't stop Bleacher Report from dropping its 2025 NFL Redraft.
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Bleacher Report confirms Jaguars' No. 2 selection was the right one
Of course, time will tell, but for now, Brent Sobleski of Bleacher Report thinks the Jags made the right move trading up to snag Hunter. Outside of a few locks, there was significant shuffling in his redraft. He suggested that New York Giants quarterback Jaxson "Why do I spell my name like that" Dart should have been taken No. 1 by the Tennessee Titans.
Sobleski also has the Browns taking quarterback Cam Ward at No. 5 instead of defensive tackle Mason Graham, and the Las Vegas Raiders taking wide receiver Emeka Egbuka at No. 6 (though his success might be a result of MVP front-runner Baker Mayfield).
But Hunter? He's still locked in at No. 2. As Sobleski says, there's "no reason to change their decision of trading up and drafting Travis Hunter." Even though No. 12 hasn't been a true No. 1 wide receiver so far this year, he's had flashes on the offense and played exceptionally on defense. It's also worth noting that PFF is certainly not gospel when it comes to ranking players; it places him second among rookie CBs—an accomplishment considering he's playing both sides—and 16th among all CBs.
Hunter, like the leadership around him, has preached patience as he adjusts to the speed and complexity of the NFL.
“I just got to continue to just work, and just have the guys trust me because I’m doing my job every time.”
Travis Hunter on having patience and letting plays come to him. pic.twitter.com/MDwY2HDwIa
— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) October 15, 2025
More exciting? Head coach Liam Coen is suggesting the team will include Hunter on the offensive side of the ball this week against the Los Angeles Rams in London.
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Final thoughts
It's been a while since Jaguars fans were allowed to be excited, and this season is looking to be the most interesting since the magical 2022 playoff run. This feels more sustainable, and rookie wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter is a big reason for it.