Jaguars take 2-way star Hunter at No. 2 after blockbuster trade with Browns

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The Jacksonville Jaguars selected Colorado wide receiver and cornerback Travis Hunter second overall in the draft after making a blockbuster trade with the Cleveland Browns on Thursday.

Cleveland was linked to Hunter for most of the draft process, but Jacksonville sent shockwaves through the NFL by moving up from No. 5 in the franchise's first year under general manager James Gladstone and head coach Liam Coen.

The Browns will receive the fifth overall selection as well as a second-round pick (36th overall), a fourth-round selection (126th), and a 2026 first-rounder in exchange for the No. 2 pick, a fourth-round choice (104th), and a sixth-rounder (200th), according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The trade took place despite the Jaguars not having any conversations with Hunter since the combine, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. Jacksonville is expected to give the Heisman Trophy winner a big workload as a wide receiver while still playing him at his natural cornerback position on defense, Schefter notes.

Hunter posted one of the most impressive college seasons of all time in 2024. The two-way star recorded 96 receptions, 1,258 yards, and 15 touchdowns as a receiver while tallying 36 total tackles, four interceptions, and 11 pass deflections on defense.

The 21-year-old won the Chuck Bednarik Award as the nation's top defender, the Walter Camp Player of the Year award, and the Heisman last year. He was named an All-American in 2023 and was a unanimous selection in his final year with the Buffaloes.

Hunter will now team up with standout receiver Brian Thomas Jr. while instantly adding much-needed star power to Jacksonville's cornerback depth chart.

Pre-draft profile

Hunter was the top player in both our wide receiver and cornerback rankings, which really drives home the type of unicorn prospect we're talking about here. It remains to be seen whether the Heisman Trophy winner will play both ways in the NFL - or at least to what extent - but there's Pro Bowl ability on each side of the ball. As a receiver, the playmaking traits are off the charts. Hunter's unique athletic ability is evident in the way he separates from coverage defenders, makes plays after the catch, and controls his body while attacking the ball in the air. He's also somehow already a proficient route-runner despite playing both sides throughout his college career.

As a cornerback, Hunter is extremely fluid in coverage. He shows the ability to flip his hips and match receivers in man-to-man assignments and plays with good anticipation and transition quickness in zone. And when he has a chance to make a play on the ball, odds are he's going to do it. The ball skills that help make him such a dynamic receiver will give him the best hands of any NFL defensive back from the outset of his pro career. Hunter is truly a one-of-a-kind prospect. His impact at two different and extremely valuable positions makes him the clear No. 1 player in this draft.