Jaguars' GM believes draft pick Travis Hunter could reshape the course of sports history.
Rewritten Article
Jaguars' GM James Gladstone was brimming with excitement after snatching two-way stunner Travis Hunter with the second overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
"Got yourself a game-changer here," Gladstone declared. "A player who's got the potential to not just shift a game, but to alter the fortunes of our team, and hell, maybe even the entire sport."
The Jags weren't keeping their feelings under wraps. First-year head coach Liam Coen shared a deafening video call with Arik Armstead in Green Bay. "Couldn't make out a word," Coen chuckled, "just the sheer noise in the room."
Gladstone had been guarding the team's interest in nabbing the pick and the player, but when Hunter walked into the room at the NFL Scouting Combine, a spark ignited. "When he enters the room," Gladstone recalled, "it's like turning on a light. That interaction was a moment that stuck with us."
Preparation gave the franchise the confidence to make the bold move - and to part with next year's first-round pick – defending their decision as an act driven by courage, not fear.
"I don't wanna look back and wonder 'what if'," Gladstone said. "I won't be content if I let fear dictate my actions. Courage counts for a lot."
The Jaguars pegged Hunter as a one-of-a-kind player, a hybrid talent with the potential to reshape their offense and defense.
"He's been knocking it out of the park in every facet," Coen praised. "In college, he averaged over 115 snaps per game as a wide receiver and cornerback. And he's brilliant at both positions. He's got an insatiable appetite for growth, too - he's a 4.0 student."
Hunter's exceptional versatility and proven performance in college has generated immense expectations. Some even call him the NFL's next unicorn, a player who can revolutionize a team across multiple aspects.
Born and bred in Colorado, Travis Hunter followed coach Deion Sanders from Jackson State University, elevating his game even further. He expressed his desire to continue playing both receiver and defensive back in the NFL, a feat that could prove remarkably astounding in professional football.
To secure Hunter, the Jaguars made a blockbuster trade, swapping positions with the Cleveland Browns, surrendering multiple picks, including a future first-rounder. In the 2024 season, Hunter played an impressive 1,481 snaps, almost 300 more than any other player in the FBS. He also garnered historic accolades, becoming only the second full-time defensive player and the fifth wide receiver ever to win the Heisman Trophy.
In essence, Travis Hunter's extraordinary two-way abilities, combined with his record-setting college career and the Jaguars' aggressive draft positioning, sets the stage for an unparalleled rookie season in the NFL. The team is hopeful that his unique versatility and proven production at the highest collegiate levels will translate into game-changing performances on offense and defense.
- The Jacksonville Jaguars, led by GM James Gladstone, are delighted with their selection of Travis Hunter, a versatile player, in the 2025 NFL Draft, calling him a potential game-changer.
- After securing Hunter with the second overall pick, the Jaguars are confident that he could elevate their team and even influence the entire sport of American football.
- First-year head coach Liam Coen was ecstatic about the pick, as evident by the noise in his video call with Arik Armstead after the draft.
- Gladstone admired Hunter's aura, comparing it to a light turning on when he enters a room, during their interaction at the NFL Scouting Combine.
- The Jaguars' bold decision to part with next year's first-round pick was driven by preparation and courage, rather than fear, as stated by Gladstone.
- Travis Hunter, a hybrid talent, averaged over 115 snaps per game as a wide receiver and cornerback in college, displaying exceptional versatility and academic brilliance.
- The likes of coach Deion Sanders have helped Travis Hunter refine his skills, setting anticipation high for his NFL debut with the Jaguars.
- The Jaguars executed a blockbuster trade with the Cleveland Browns to secure the services of the NFL's next potential unicorn, a player capable of influencing their team across multiple facets.
