The Jaguars bailed on their GM plan late in their HC search process, and their solution (ex-Rams exec James Gladstone) is captivating interest ahead of his first draft at the controls. Jags trade-up rumors persist.
Mentioned earlier as a team exploring a trade-up, the Jags are now “actively trying” to move up from No. 5, The Athletic’s Jeff Howe notes. This came shortly after colleague Dianna Russini indicated teams in the top 10 expected Jacksonville to make a splash early.
Potentially trying to move as high as No. 2 overall, the Jaguars look to have Travis Hunter in their sights. It would not take a climb to 2 to acquire rumored target Ashton Jeanty, who has drawn Bears trade-up interest. The Browns are still believed to be dangling their No. 2 pick, but it would certainly take a haul to move them out of range for the two-way phenom.
Although a rumor circulated about the Browns attempting to trade back into the first round for a quarterback, ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler adds they would prefer to hang onto their No. 33 overall pick due to the leverage of holding the top Day 2 choice. Multiple teams have shown interest in coming up, per Fowler. It is not known if a true bidding war is upon us just yet, but the Jags have certainly made it known they are serious about acquiring the Browns’ top pick.
The Jags are coming off a wildly disappointing season, one that came after the franchise authorized the three most lucrative contracts (for Trevor Lawrence, Josh Hines-Allen and Tyson Campbell) in its history. They fired Trent Baalke late into their HC search process, and that move preceded Liam Coen reconsidering his stance about signing on as the team’s HC. As a result, Coen leads the Jags; Gladstone, however, certainly has significant input as the new GM.
Hunter would quality as perhaps the splashiest draft move in team history, considering his two-way skills and high-end potential at wideout or cornerback. He would provide an elite complement to Campbell and/or Brian Thomas Jr. The Jags kept their cards close to the vest by not conducting any “30” visits this year, a sharp deviation from normal pre-draft protocol. During draft week, the Jeanty and Hunter buzz has leaked out. And we are moving close to time for the Browns to make a decision. Though, two hours remain for Cleveland to hear offers.
As a Browns fan I will be beyond furious if we trade out of 2 for a package of picks and allow an AFC rival to draft Hunter. Travis Hunter is truly a generational talent that doesn’t come around often.Draft him Andrew Berry!
Good point, but the only rivalry between the Jags and Browns is ‘who will draft higher in the top 10?’ annually.
Browns are one year removed from their playoff appearance in 2023 and we achieved that with 4 different QB’S that year, ending with Flacco, who’s back to backup Pickett. Pair Hunter with Jeudy at WR … watch out
Not saying it’ll happen, but let’s say we get this years 1, next years 1 & 2, and they take Deshaun Watson?
I’m hoping they stay put, but if I wouldn’t be upset with a trade back if they get an offer that they just cannot refuse.
Do it then you cowards!
-A Texans Fan
I don’t know how well Hunter would do as WR in Jacksonville without Christian Kirk around to draw away the defense.
They still have Gabe Davis