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Jon Gruden had strong reaction to Jaguars-Browns trade

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Steve DelVecchio | Last updated Apr 25, 2025 2:00 PM ET

The Jacksonville Jaguars went all-in on Travis Hunter by moving up in the first round of the NFL Draft to get the Heisman Trophy winner, and one legendary coach believes the price they paid was far too steep.

The Jaguars entered Thursday night with the No. 5 overall pick in the draft. They traded that pick, a second-round pick (No. 36 overall), a fourth-round pick and their first-round pick in 2026 to move up three spots to No. 2. Jacksonville also received a fourth-round pick and a sixth-round pick in the deal.

A lot of people feel the Jaguars gave up too much, especially for a non-quarterback. Jon Gruden said during the Barstool Sports draft show that he thinks Jacksonville got “fleeced.”

“I think the team you gotta be talking about is the Cleveland Browns. I think they fleeced Jacksonville,” Gruden said. “To get the Jaguars’ No. 1 pick next year and only move down a few spots, is that what I’m hearing? That’s the greatest trade ever.”

“I think the Cleveland Browns FLEECED Jacksonville”@BarstoolGruden loves this trade for the Browns pic.twitter.com/UGV7rvyvh6
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) April 25, 2025

Hunter is certainly a generational talent. He had 96 catches, 1,258 receiving yards and 16 total touchdowns last season while also serving as a lockdown cornerback defensively. He wants to continue to play both ways in the NFL, and early indications are that the Jaguars could grant him that wish.

The question is whether Hunter will make enough of an impact to justify giving up next year’s first-round pick. The Jaguars finished 4-13 last season. If they were to have another similar year in 2025, their 2026 first-round pick would be even more valuable. Next year’s draft class is a lot deeper at the quarterback position, which is likely why the Browns were happy to make the trade.

We know one person who seems to believe Hunter is worth what Jacksonville gave up for him, but a lot of others agree with Gruden.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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