In a draft night shocker, the Jacksonville Jaguars executed the first trade of the 2025 NFL Draft, moving up three spots to select Colorado’s two-way phenom Travis Hunter with the second overall pick. The bold move sent shockwaves through the NFL community, with NFL Network’s Rich Eisen leading the chorus of approval for what he calls a “brilliantly well done” decision.
The Jaguars traded their 2026 first-round pick, a 2025 second-round pick, and a fourth-round selection to Cleveland while receiving Hunter and a sixth-round pick in return. Despite the seemingly steep price, Eisen argues the trade represented tremendous value for Jacksonville, considering Hunter’s unprecedented potential to transform the franchise and the sport.
Rich Eisen Praises Jaguars’ Draft Move, Says Travis Hunter’s Unknowns Make It Brilliant
“And to that move for Travis Hunter by the Jacksonville Jaguars, I say, brilliantly well done. Brilliantly well done to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Well done in every way, shape, and form because this kid, we still have no idea what it’s going to look like,” Eisen enthusiastically declared on his show.
According to Eisen, who pointed to his staggering collegiate production, Hunter’s potential cannot be overstated. Travis Hunter, 15 receiving touchdowns and four interceptions in 2024 for the Colorado Buffaloes. The last NFL player to have 15 or more receptions on the touchdown fronts as a receiver and four or more interceptions in the same season…Don Hudson did it in 1942.”
What makes the deal especially savvy in Eisen’s eyes is how Jacksonville effectively used one pick to address two positions of need. By selecting Hunter, the Jaguars secured potentially the draft’s best wide receiver and cornerback in a single selection, justifying the cost of moving up.
“They got the best wide receiver and the best corner in one with one draft choice. So, why do you need that second-round draft choice?” Eisen explained, dismissing concerns about the resources Jacksonville surrendered to Cleveland.
The Hunter Effect: Jacksonville’s New Must-See Attraction
Jaguars GM James Gladstone’s assessment of Hunter speaks volumes about the organization’s expectations. “There are players who can alter a game. Some players have the capacity to alter the trajectory of a team. There are very few players who can alter the sport’s trajectory itself,” Gladstone stated.
New head coach Liam Cohen outlined how Jacksonville plans to deploy its versatile weapon. “We’ll have a plan right now, primarily on offense, with learning the defensive system and practicing on the defensive side of the ball as well throughout this offseason program,” Cohen explained, emphasizing the fluidity of their approach.
The trade has instantly elevated Jacksonville in the national conversation. “Jacksonville Jaguars football has become must-see television,” Eisen proclaimed, highlighting how a historically overlooked franchise has suddenly become one of the league’s most intriguing storylines.
KEEP READING: Super Surprised and Sorry’ — Travis Hunter Gives 2 Cents On Browns’ Mind-Boggling NFL Draft Trade
Hunter’s unprecedented two-way potential has Eisen making bold predictions, including the possibility that Hunter could “be the first ever player in the history of the NFL to win offensive and defensive rookie of the year.” Whether this materializes remains to be seen, but the mere possibility illustrates why Jacksonville’s gamble could redefine NFL roster construction for years to come.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, and baseball!
