Travis Hunter Says Jaguars Made 'Best Decision' After Trade with Browns to Draft Him

Travis Hunter believes the Jacksonville Jaguars made the right choice by trading up to select him with the No. 2 pick of the 2025 NFL draft.

Hunter told Jaguars general manager James Gladstone "that's the best decision" after learning about the Thursday night trade, according to The Athletic's Michael Silver.

The Cleveland Browns traded down to No. 5 as part of the deal.

"There are players that you can target and acquire who alter the trajectory of a game. There are players that you can target and acquire that alter the trajectory of a football team," Gladstone said on the Jaguars' draft show on YouTube after making the pick, per ESPN's Michael DiRocco. "There are very few, and it's rare to be able to target and prioritize a player who can alter the sport itself. And Travis is somebody that we view has the potential to do that.

"Obviously there's a lot for him to learn as he steps into the NFL, but we view him through the lens of unique and it's exciting for us to be able to add someone to this organization who by being nothing more than who he is, elevates the space around him. And I am excited about the opportunity to be able to put those words now to action and have our fan base and supporters see what I meant by those lines of thought."

Hunter became the first full-time two-way player to win the Heisman Trophy since Charles Woodson in 1997 when he claimed the award after his junior season.

He ranked top-six in the nation with 7.7 receptions and 96 receiving yards per game, while also tying for fifth in the country with 15 passes defended in 2024.

Hunter finished the campaign with 31 tackles, 11 pass breakups and four interceptions on defense while adding 92 catches and 1,152 receiving yards on the other side of the ball.

The cornerback/wide receiver achieved those stats while playing almost every snap for the Buffaloes, a feat he has said he hopes to continue in the NFL.

Hunter entered the draft as the No. 1 overall prospect and No. 1 cornerback on the final B/R 2025 NFL Draft Big Board.

B/R NFL scout Cory Giddings described Hunter as a "high-IQ player who is always aware of the situation and where he is on the field" with "great acceleration" and "rare conditioning and effort."

Giddings noted that Hunter uses his athleticism to overcome "still raw" cornerback technique, and that he "may lack the foot quickness to cover in the slot at the next level," but overall projected him as a CB1 compared to Patrick Peterson.

"With proper development, Hunter has the tools to become a perennial Pro Bowler and one of the top cornerbacks in the league," Giddings wrote.

The Jaguars will now look to provide that development in order to help Hunter make an immediate difference, potentially on both offense and defense, next fall.