Jags Boost Roster with 'Intangibly Rich' Talent Like Travis Hunter to Elevate Team Ecosystem

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — After spending two months using complex vocabulary and intriguing slogans, new Jacksonville Jaguars General Manager James Gladstone finally had the chance to elaborate on these during the NFL draft.

Intricately wealthy? Seamless teamwork? Enhanced synergy? Elevating the entire system? At 34 years old, Gladstone, a prodigy mentored by veteran Rams general manager Les Snead, signaled how Jacksonville’s fresh leadership intends to function under a novice general manager, an inaugural head coach named Liam Coen, and a debutant executive vice president titled Tony Boselli.

“So far, we’ve done extensive discussions and aimed to ensure that our actions clearly demonstrate the true meaning behind those conversations,” Gladstone stated. “This serves as an actual visual illustration of everything we've talked about.”

The Jaguars caused one of the most significant impacts during the draft by moving up three positions to pick two-way standout Travis Hunter from Colorado At number 2, Jacksonville traded away four draft picks, including their 2026 first-round selection, to make this happen.

For our supporters, let me say this: 'Do not be afraid,'" Gladstone stated. "He is someone who merits being selected with a first-round draft pick as a wide receiver, and he also deserves to be chosen in the first round as a cornerback.

This move was part of a broader strategy to bolster support for star quarterback Trevor Lawrence. The team secured speedy wide receiver Dyami Brown through free agency and strengthened Lawrence’s offensive line with the addition of center Robert Hainsey, guard Patrick Mejury, along with backup players Chuma Edoga and Fred Johnson.

But Hunter has the potential to be the ultimate game-changer. He will team up with All-Star wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., which could give the franchise its strongest duo at the position since Jimmy Smith and Keenan McCardell. Additionally, Hunter will assist the Jaguars in rebuilding one of the NFL’s weakest secondary units.

Hunter was just the first — and arguably most important — piece. Gladstone traded up to draft guard Wyatt Milum from West Virginia in the third round, added speedy Virginia Tech running back Bhayshul Tuten, who scored 52 touchdowns in college, in the fourth, and tapped USC center Jonah Monheim in the seventh.

You're constantly aiming to bring in more competition and game-changers," Coen stated. "There are countless strategies you can come up with and implement, but at the end of the day, when you have players who can succeed individually and make things happen with the ball on their own, those skills I cannot teach.

Speed thrills

At this year's combine, Tuten was the quickest running back, completing the 40-yard dash in 4.32 seconds. He mentioned that he has never competed alongside anyone who can run as fast as him.

I have the ability to run faster than many opponents out there, often causing a few to strain their hammies trying to keep up. It’s all about having that extra bit of confidence when I step onto the field. Knowing full well you won't be able to catch me, I’ll enjoy watching your attempts as I cruise ahead.

In the third round, Jacksonville drafted another speedy player, Caleb Ransaw from Tulane. Among defensive backs, he recorded the third-quickest 40-yard dash at 4.33 seconds and the fourth-highest vertical leap of 40 inches. Although he primarily played as a cornerback during his college career, he'll be moving to safety for his professional football journey.

"I'm flexible; I can play any position," he stated.

South Bend reunion

In the fourth round, the Jaguars picked Jack Kiser from Notre Dame, bringing aboard a 24-year-old linebacker who participated in 70 games across six seasons with the university team.

His college career spanned such a lengthy period that he had the opportunity to play alongside Robert Hainsey for two seasons. Notably, Robert Hainsey recently signed with Jacksonville following his tenure of four years with Tampa Bay.

Primarily, my routine is set at this stage," Kiser stated. "I've followed it, after all. There’s no need for me to come up with something new to prepare for a game. I’ve stuck with it, and I place great faith in it. Additionally, I have experience playing in major games.

Another pass rusher, finally

The Jaguars have selected Jalen McLeod, a sixth-round pick from Auburn, who could serve as the additional edge rusher they've needed recently. He can provide rotational depth alongside Josh Allen and Travon Walker.

McLeod began his college career at Appalachian State prior to moving to Auburn in 2023. Over the course of five years playing collegiately, he recorded 37.5 tackles for loss.

But McLeod has a more pressing priority: to meet Hunter.

I'm thrilled. I'll be surrounded by lots of cameras from now on. He's like a dog—extremely lovable—and a once-in-a-lifetime kind of athlete," McLeod stated. "Definitely, I will make sure to get his autograph. Even though he might not recognize me, whenever I'm near him, I'll do my best to obtain one or two signatures.

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