National Spotlight: How the Jaguars’ 2025 NFL Draft Was Received by the Media

The Jacksonville Jaguars’ 2025 NFL Draft sparked an initial media frenzy with their polarizing trade to move up to select the Heisman-winning superstar, Travis Hunter. Across the board, media outlets handed out pretty consistent overall grades. This draft brought home the flashy headlines and eventually settled in with smart, yet questionable selections.

Here’s how the media broke it down, and what it tells us about the team’s direction. Jacksonville Jaguars rookie Travis Hunter poses with team owner Shahid Khan and his son Tony Khan.Doug EngleFlorida Times-Union USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesWhen it came to the Jaguars’ 2025 draft, the national consensus was pretty clear.



Chad Reuter of NFL.com led the charge with an optimistic A-, praising the Jags’ high-upside picks, aggressiveness, and versatility. Yahoo Sports echoed that with a strong A, signaling real belief in Jacksonville’s long-term vision.

Meanwhile, most others landed in the B-range—Ryan Dunleavy (New York Post, B), Mel Kiper (ESPN, B), and Chris Trapasso (CBS Sports, B+) all saw the class as solid but not spectacular. PFF and USA Today also handed out B+ grades, highlighting value picks like Bhayshul Tuten and Jonah Monheim. Sports Illustrated was the most reserved, giving a B-, likely dinging Jacksonville for a few questionable swings.

All told, the draft delivered plenty of attention early on, but it quietly built the foundation the Jags still sorely need.The Jaguars’ 2025 draft wasn’t just another step, it was a statement. With the bold move to take Travis Hunter, Jacksonville showed they’re not afraid to take risks and make waves.

The consistent B to A- grades from national analysts reflect a solid class with real potential, but let’s be clear: this isn’t a quiet rebuild. It’s a calculated push to transform the roster with high-ceiling talent. If Hunter and the rest of this class hit, it could be the jolt the Jaguars need to elevate from contender to playoff mainstay.

No doubt, Duval’s watching closely—and this draft is just the beginning.Related: True to the Teal: The Final Overall Grade for the Jacksonville Jaguars 2025 NFL Draft.