JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The Jacksonville Jaguars knew early in the pre-NFL draft process that they wanted Colorado's two-way star, Travis Hunter, but general manager James Gladstone admitted he didn't think they'd be able to pull it off, knowing he'd have to trade up from No. 5 overall.
So when he called the Cleveland Browns several weeks ago to see if they'd be able to work out a deal for the Browns' No. 2 pick, his expectations of getting something done were pretty low. That changed quickly and, within a couple of weeks, the Jaguars were able to pull off one of the boldest draft moves in franchise history.
"We engaged in those conversations with the idea that, 'Hey, this is more than likely going to be a stretch,'" Gladstone said after the Jaguars drafted Hunter on Thursday. "'It's probably not going to be something that we'll be able to bring to life. Let's just go in with that expectation so we're not ultimately disappointed.'
"And when things began to sort of grow and accelerate over the host of those conversations, obviously you become more firm in your stance and your pursuit. And so certainly happy with the way that it unfolded."
The Jaguars gave up their No. 5 pick, a second-round pick (No. 36) and a fourth-round pick (No. 126) in this year's draft, as well as their 2026 first-round pick. In return they acquired the Browns' No. 2 pick, a fourth-round pick (No. 104) and a sixth-round pick (No. 200).
The Jaguars believe the price was worth paying to get Hunter, who many believed was the most talented player in the draft because of his ability to play wide receiver and defensive back, both at an NFL level.
"He's somebody who is deserving of a first-round draft pick as a wide receiver, and he is worthy of a first-round draft pick as a corner," Gladstone said. "Certainly look forward to each of those elements showing themselves over the next few years while he's under his rookie contract. But yeah, we're excited about just getting him in the boat, so to speak."
So how will the pieces fall into place? Jaguars reporter Michael DiRocco answers the biggest questions on what to expect from Hunter in Jacksonville, plus NFL insider Dan Graziano sizes up the AFC South and analyst Seth Walder grades the trade.
