Travis Hunter is still seen as the likely pick at No. 2 overall in the NFL Draft, but there appears to be at least some chance that it will not be the Cleveland Browns making that selection.
Rumors began to spread late Thursday afternoon suggesting that the Jacksonville Jaguars are trying to make a big splash early in the first round of the draft. In an appearance on NFL Network, Ian Rapoport said the Jaguars have emerged as a “team to watch,” and that they are expected to be “bold” in their efforts to try to move up. Rapoport specifically mentioned the possibility of the Jaguars moving up from No. 5 to No. 2, potentially for Hunter.
From NFL Draft Kickoff: The #Browns and #Texans always swung a trade for third-day picks… while the #Jaguars have emerged as the team to watch early tonight. pic.twitter.com/cCJnL9Duj9
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 24, 2025
Rapoport was not the only one hearing such things. Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports reported that the Browns and New York Giants have both received an increasing number of calls about trading down, and that the Jaguars are at the forefront. Jones said Hunter would be a “logical target” if the Jaguars could move up the board.
Dianna Russini of The Athletic also reported that teams “expect the Jaguars to make a splash tonight.”
Teams picking in the top 10 have shared over the last hour they expect the Jaguars to make a splash tonight, per sources.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) April 24, 2025
The Jaguars hired James Gladstone as their new general manager in February, and he appears determined to make his mark on the draft. Gladstone is a protege of Los Angeles Rams GM Les Snead, who is famously willing to swing big deals and sacrifice future draft picks if he can land the right player.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler suggested Thursday that the Browns are at least willing to listen to offers for the No. 2 pick.
Couple of follows on this:
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) April 24, 2025
*Browns are aware of multiple teams exploring a potential move-up
*Team has 'very short list' of players they'd be comfortable leaving Thursday night with
*Would prefer to keep No. 33 overall due to Day 2 leverage that pick affords. https://t.co/MxkpWHNMBE
The Browns appear to really like Hunter, so one would imagine that the price to move up, even three spots, would be steep. If Jacksonville really is determined to make a splash, however, they might find that the price is worth paying.
If the Jaguars do wind up staying put at No. 5, there is some buzz that they might make a splashy selection there, too.
