Who saw that coming?
The first round was looking set to be one without too many surprises.
It was general consensus that Cam Ward would be the first overall pick for the Tennessee Titans.
However, recently the Jaguars have not settled for predictability. Instead, they have been in favour of bold decisions, and James Gladstone delivered one of the most dramatic moments of the 2025 NFL Draft.
The cost? A number of picks from both this year’s draft and the Jags’ first round pick from 2026. The reward? Moving up from fifth to second in the draft.
Welcome to Duuuval county, Travis Hunter!
In doing so, the Jaguars secured one of the most interesting prospects of the NFL Draft.
Travis Hunter plays on both sides of the ball. His experience at wide receiver gives Trevor Lawrence another throwing target, a key need for the Jags to fire next season. Coupled with Brian Thomas Jr., the Jags now have one of the most exciting wide receiver depth charts in the entire league.
However, it is his ability to play on the defensive side of the ball which really shows his value. Cornerback is a difficult position to fill with elite talent in the NFL. To be able to play at CB and WR is a rarity and one deserving of a second overall pick.
It is not just the Jags who feel that this is a player worth drafting. Hunter won the Heisman Trophy in 2024 solidifying his position as one of the most talked about prospects in the NFL Draft.
I alluded to the cost earlier on and whether this could come back to haunt us in the future. If Hunter delivers in the big league, the sacrifice of draft picks will be well worth it.
James Gladstone and Liam Coen both stated that they would be bold in their decisions. They definitely have not disappointed.
