Travis Hunter, Jacksonville Jaguars, Round 1, Pick 2
After Jacksonville made a splash trade, Travis Hunter was drafted by the Jaguars with the 2nd pick of Round 1.
Fantasy Football Impact
Travis Hunter is an incredibly talented football player, but this landing spot potentially creates confusion in fantasy football.
Hunter has made it clear that he wants to play both sides of the ball, and I would argue that he is the most talented wide receiver in the class. He's got elite ball skills. He puts his body in the perfect position to get the football, has excellent hands, and can beat any defensive back in a one-on-one contested catch. He can make memorable plays at the catch, and his blazing speed and elusiveness in the open field also give him incredible upside as a receiver.
However, he is arguably as good, if not better, as a defensive back. He made a massive impact on defense last year for Colorado. When you look at Jacksonville as a team, it's apparent that they need a cornerback more than another receiver. They were dead last in passing yards allowed in the previous year and were in the bottom five as a team in interceptions. They do not have anyone to lock down a number one wide receiver, and Hunter fills that desperately needed role.
As Adam Schefter reports, it looks like the Jaguars want to see Hunter as a wide receiver.
Jaguars are expected to play their first-round draft pick Travis Hunter on offense and defense. They will on-board him by giving him a heavy dose of the wide receiver position while still playing him at his more natural position on defense. Two positions for pick No. 2.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 25, 2025
Considering his talent on both sides, Jacksonville's needs, and the reporting from Adam Schefter, Travis Hunter seems to be worth drafting highly in rookie drafts. His usage could lack at times due to his involvement on both offense and defense, but based on reports, Jacksonville seems to have a firm intention of giving him receiving opportunities. His talent and those targets should deliver strong fantasy relevance, and he is worth a mid-first-round pick despite his volatility. The upside he holds could lead him to become a very strong value in the middle of the first round.
The Fantasy Football Fallout
This pick makes waves in fantasy football on the Jacksonville Jaguars' offense and defense. Reports show Hunter will get plenty of usage on both sides of the ball, so for fantasy, I am willing to invest relatively high in rookie drafts. We can take a sigh of relief for Travis Etienne Jr. and Tank Bigsby, there will be no Ashton Jeanty for Jacksonville. Looking at the receiving room, this throws some cold water on the Brenton Strange hype we've seen since Evan Engram left Jacksonville. This team could also add a tight end, but Strange's path to being the number two option on this offense has already become much muddier, making his upside for fantasy football minimal. Brian Thomas Jr. should enjoy having another weapon in Jacksonville, so teams aren't solely focused on shutting him down. Another weapon for Trevor Lawrence is a great thing. If Hunter gets enough receiving opportunities, we could see Lawrence jump back into the low-end QB1 or high-end QB2 conversations in fantasy football.
Stock Watch
Risers
Fallers
Overview
I am slightly disappointed with Hunter's fantasy football value here. Other landing spots could have proven to be more ideal for him, but we could still see some solid wide receiver usage. Coaching staff's remarks will be huge to follow. Jacksonville's running backs won't lose their jobs to Ashton Jeanty, which is nice, but Brenton Strange loses some of the potential value he had when Evan Engram left the team earlier this offseason.
For more information on the 2025 NFL Draft prospects, check out the Footballguys Rookie Draft Guide, which is overflowing with information on the incoming class and designed to help you dominate your rookie drafts.
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