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Jaguars Made a Move the NFL Hasn’t Seen in Nearly 30 Years to Draft Travis Hunter

Jacksonville did everything they could to get their guy.
Travis Hunter was drafted No. 2 overall by the Jaguars.
Travis Hunter was drafted No. 2 overall by the Jaguars. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

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The Jaguars paid a steep price on Thursday night to move up to pick No. 2 and select WR/CB Travis Hunter.

With his guy in mind, Jacksonville general manager James Gladstone traded pick No. 5, pick No. 36 (second-round), pick No. 126 (fourth-round), and next year's first-round pick to the Cleveland Browns for No. 2, pick No. 104 (fourth-round), and pick No. 200 (sixth-round).

In selecting Hunter second overall, it was the first time in nearly 30 years (!) that a team traded into the top 2 of the NFL draft to select a non-quarterback (h/t Josh Dubow, AP).

Given the high praise the Jaguars front office would later shower on Hunter, it’s clear that the team was unfazed by making their big move.

"He is 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 after selecting Hunter. "We're excited about just getting him in the boat."

The 2024 Heisman Trophy winner, Hunter—who will wear No. 12 with the Jaguars—is expected to play both offense and defense in the NFL.

A true one of one player, who was certainly worthy of such a trade-up package.


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Published | Modified
 Mike Kadlick
MICHAEL KADLICK

Mike Kadlick is a senior NFL news writer for Sports Illustrated. He’s also a New England Patriots reporter for CLNS Media, where he hosts the Patriots Daily podcast and covers the beat from Gillette Stadium. Before joining SI, Kadlick worked at WEEI sports radio in Boston. He holds a master’s degree in public relations from Boston University. When Kadlick’s not covering football, he can be found running, spending time with his wife and dog, and enjoying all things pizza.