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It didn’t take long for the 2025 NFL Draft to get exciting. After Miami QB Cam Ward went first overall to the Tennessee Titans, it was all but certain that […]
It didn’t take long for the 2025 NFL Draft to get exciting.
After Miami QB Cam Ward went first overall to the Tennessee Titans, it was all but certain that University of Colorado standout two-way player Travis Hunter, considered the best overall prospect in the draft regardless of position, would be selected with the second overall pick.
However, it wasn’t the Cleveland Browns making the pick: it was the Jacksonville Jaguars. While there was brief in the moment speculation that this trade up could be to secure Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, it was much more sensible that the Jaguars selected Hunter: the best player in the draft.
The Browns traded away the second overall pick, as well as their fourth and sixth round picks in this year’s draft, to the Jaguars, in exchange for the fifth overall pick, a second round pick and fourth round pick in this year’s draft, and a first round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Playing under head coach Deion Sanders, an NFL Hall of Famer and the last player to play professionally on both sides of the football, at the University of Colorado, Hunter earned the 2024 Heisman Trophy.
Playing on both sides of the ball, aside from trick plays or spot assignments, has been virtually unheard of for nearly 30 years in the NFL. Offensive players that act as Swiss Army knives, or defensive players that can shift around? Sure, but not a two-way player: the game is too demanding and too specialized for a player to truly make an impact on both sides of the ball, especially with fresh legs and honed skills sitting on the bench.
But Hunter is that good: his play and abilities demand at least an attempt at playing snaps on both sides of the ball, every single game.
That obviously doesn’t mean every snap, but Hunter should see snaps in Trevor Lawrence’s offense as well as snaps at cornerback in all 17 regular season games for Jacksonville, in my humble opinion.
And after giving up draft capital to secure Hunter, who made his wishes to continue playing on both sides of the ball publicly known, it just might happen.
Immediately after being drafted, Hunter hinted that in conversations with Jaguars brass, he was encouraged that he would be able to continue “to do what I do” at the next level.
Hunter was the first player in NFL history to have two positions announced at the time of his drafting.
On offense, Hunter becomes a top target in Trevor Lawrence’s offense, alongside second-year wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. and former Buffalo Bills receiver Gabriel Davis. With Travis Etienne Jr. at running back, it’s clear the Jaguars want the potential to load up the field with explosive talent.
On defense, Hunter, the best cornerback in the draft even disregarding his wideout abilities, helps a secondary that includes CBs Jarrian Jones and Tyson Campbell, and safeties Eric Murray and Darnell Savage.
The Browns ended up selecting Michigan defensive lineman Mason Graham with the fifth overall pick. Ultimately, both the second and fifth overall picks were the players that were expected, but with the Jaguars and Browns flipping draft positions.
How will Hunter handle the transition to the NFL: is continuing to play two positions sustainable? Will Hunter end up playing the majority of his snaps at wide receiver or cornerback, or could he actually be a full-fledged starter on both sides? What will Hunter’s numbers look like on the offensive side of the ball?
There’s plenty of storylines to follow with Hunter and the Jaguars, but the future looks bright for both sides after Jacksonville traded up, shaking up the 2025 NFL Draft.
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Header Photo Credit: ESPN
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