Jaguars’ WR Hunter’s Surgery Impacts Browns’ First-Round Draft Day Trade
Travis Hunter’s recent knee surgery has significant implications for both the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Cleveland Browns. The Jaguars’ first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Hunter is expected to miss the remainder of the season due to a torn LCL in his right knee. This injury occurred on October 30 during non-contact practice drills. Hunter was subsequently placed on injured reserve, missing the last ten games of the season.
Impact on the Jaguars
The absence of Hunter is a considerable blow to the Jaguars. As their leading receiver at the time of his injury, Hunter had recorded 28 receptions for 298 yards and a touchdown in just seven games. He was particularly impactful in his last game against the Rams, where he achieved season-highs with eight catches for 104 yards and another touchdown.
- 28 receptions, 298 yards, 1 touchdown in 7 games
- Season-high 8 receptions for 104 yards in the last game
Following this setback, the Jaguars’ performance may suffer significantly. Currently sitting at 5-4, they have dropped three of their last four games and face tough competition in the AFC South. They are positioned second in the division, trailing the 8-2 Colts.
Browns’ Advantages from the Trade
The Browns are benefiting from the trade that brought Hunter to the Jaguars. Initially, they traded their No. 5 pick for the No. 2 pick, which was used to select Hunter. In addition to Hunter, the Browns received two additional picks in the 2025 draft and a first-round pick in 2026. They used these picks effectively, selecting defensive tackle Mason Graham at No. 5 overall and running backs Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson in subsequent rounds.
Current Draft Prospects
As the Browns navigate their season, they currently hold the No. 4 pick in the draft. This positioning is advantageous following their recent loss to the Jets. Should the Jaguars continue to struggle without Hunter, Cleveland’s draft position may improve further.
Historical Context
This situation draws parallels to a past injury involving Deshaun Watson in 2017. The Texans struggled significantly after Watson’s non-contact injury, which led to a substantial drop in their overall performance. At that time, the Browns had traded down, ultimately selecting cornerback Denzel Ward, who has become a standout player in the league.
Conclusion
While Travis Hunter’s season-ending injury impacts the Jaguars deeply, it appears to bolster the Browns’ prospects in upcoming drafts. The decisions made during this pivotal season may shape the teams’ futures significantly, especially with the promising picks on the horizon.
