NFL Draft Odds and News: Hunter Drafted by the Jaguars

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NFL Draft Odds and News

Travis Hunter’s Historic Payday and the Jaguars’ 2025 Outlook: What Bettors Need to Know

NFL betting markets took notice this week as the Jacksonville Jaguars signed Travis Hunter to a groundbreaking rookie deal. Coming off the 2025 NFL Draft, where the Jaguars aggressively moved up the board, they secured Hunter at No. 2 overall and rewarded him with a contract that reflects his rare two-way potential. 

As NFL draft odds begin to reflect Jacksonville’s revamped roster, fans and analysts are beginning to assess what kind of impact Hunter and his new teammates can deliver.

Hunter’s contract, worth $46.65 million over four years and fully guaranteed, includes a staggering $30.57 million signing bonus paid upfront. For context, that makes Hunter’s deal one of the richest for a non-quarterback rookie in recent memory. 

The Jaguars didn’t hesitate to commit to him as both a wide receiver and cornerback, an unusual dual-role gamble that speaks volumes about their expectations for him. The move not only shifted draft boards but is now influencing NFL season betting projections heading into training camp.

Hunter’s Role: Two-Way Star From Day One

Jacksonville originally held the No. 5 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, but traded up with the Cleveland Browns in exchange for picks 5, 36, 126, and a 2026 first-round selection to land Hunter. That kind of capital investment shows just how much they value the former Colorado standout.

Hunter dominated in college as a hybrid threat. He totaled 1,258 yards through the air and reached the end zone 15 times during his offensive snaps. Defensively, he tallied 35 tackles and four interceptions in a season that earned him the 2024 Heisman Trophy, becoming a rare player to win while contributing on both sides of the ball. 

His standout play earned him national recognition, securing honors such as the Walter Camp, Bednarik, and Biletnikoff awards.

Jaguars general manager James Gladstone confirmed in April that the team would begin by integrating Hunter into the offensive playbook, while also grooming him for defensive reps. Jacksonville may soon build its on-field identity around Hunter’s rare ability to contribute on both sides of the ball.

Contract Timing Sets Up Smooth Transition

With all rookies expected at the Miller Electric Center on July 19 and veterans to follow on July 22, Hunter’s early signing ensures he’ll avoid missing any valuable development time. Jacksonville’s front office was keen to avoid drama by finalizing the deal ahead of camp, a critical step considering the steep learning curve Hunter faces.

The franchise can now build with confidence, knowing Hunter will be part of every install and walkthrough from day one. This is particularly important for a player learning two positions. Had he held out into the summer, his growth and effectiveness in year one could have suffered. Instead, the Jaguars secured full participation and now look to maximize the unique skill set they’ve bet their future on.

Expectations Under a New Regime

Jacksonville’s leadership has undergone a significant transformation. General Manager James Gladstone, Football Operations Chief Tony Boselli, and new Head Coach Liam Coen now helm the organization. Their unified vision has brought stability and redefined the team’s play style. The Jaguars are prioritizing a flexible, multi-dimensional approach on offense and defense to create matchup problems and fully leverage their personnel.

Hunter fits this new approach perfectly. He’s a rare chess piece in a league that increasingly values positionless football. With explosive talents like Brian Thomas Jr. joining the mix, the Jaguars now boast a roster that’s becoming increasingly difficult for opponents to game-plan against. The franchise’s retooled identity is already generating buzz in NFL betting circles, with sportsbooks adjusting win totals and divisional odds accordingly.

Record Predictions: A Divided Forecast

Despite the roster upgrades and leadership overhaul, there’s little consensus about Jacksonville’s trajectory in 2025. Some projections lean bullish, forecasting a 10-7 season and suggesting that the team’s blend of offensive innovation and improved defense could spark a breakout. The belief is that with the proper coordination between coaching and talent, Jacksonville might be the AFC South’s surprise contender.

Other predictions lean more cautiously, envisioning a 6-11 record. These outlooks emphasize potential shortcomings in the secondary and question whether the current roster has enough depth to sustain a playoff push, even with the presence of stars like Trevor Lawrence, Hunter, and Thomas Jr.

Additional forecasts strike a middle ground, anticipating a 7-10 finish. These perspectives suggest that Jacksonville’s playoff hopes hinge mainly on the parity within the division and the timing of winnable games, especially early in the schedule. Home matchups against teams like the Seattle Seahawks, the Carolina Panthers, and the New York Jets could become pivotal.

What’s notable is that Jacksonville carries one of the highest playoff probabilities among teams ranked outside the league’s top half. The upside is real, but so is the volatility.

Implications of NFL Draft Odds for the Jaguars, and What to Watch

From an NFL betting standpoint, Jacksonville is one of the league’s most intriguing teams for 2025. The high variance in projections makes them a potential value pick for win totals, divisional futures, and even player props related to Hunter and Lawrence. Sportsbooks have yet to fully account for how Jacksonville’s new offensive schemes and Hunter’s two-way impact will translate on the field.

If Coen’s offense clicks early and the defense holds firm, this team could exceed expectations quickly. However, if Hunter struggles to adapt or injuries hit key positions, a repeat of last year’s 4-13 record is within the realm of possibility.

In either case, Jacksonville has made bold moves, from draft-day trades to unconventional player usage. For bettors tracking long-term upside, the Jaguars offer as much intrigue as any team in the league as they head into training camp.

Final Thoughts: Boom or Bust Potential

The Jaguars’ investment in Travis Hunter reflects more than just talent acquisition; it’s a declaration of a new era. Pairing an inventive front office with a unique, position-fluid athlete, the Jaguars might be positioning themselves for long-term competitive relevance.

Whether that translates to wins in 2025 remains uncertain. But in a league driven by trends, matchups, and talent, the Jaguars are building something that could eventually break through.

In the short term, sharp NFL betting observers will be monitoring how Hunter’s two-way usage unfolds and whether Jacksonville’s bold new direction turns into real wins. NFL draft odds are moving, and Jacksonville might move with them.