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Arik Armstead got the honor of announcing one of the biggest draft-day moments in Jacksonville Jaguars franchise history on Thursday night — and he took the stage a few picks earlier than expected.
Armstead, a defensive tackle for the Jaguars who earned the 2024 NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year award, was introduced by commissioner Roger Goodell before stepping to the podium to officially announce Thursday's blockbuster trade between his Jaguars and the Cleveland Browns.
The move, of course, was for two-way Colorado Buffaloes superstar Travis Hunter, who was selected by Jacksonville with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
MORE: Jaguars 2025 draft grades: What experts are saying about Jacksonville’s bold trade for Travis Hunter | Live tracker | Pick-by-pick grades | Top 250 big board
In announcing his team’s selection, Armstead helped answer one of the biggest pre-draft questions surrounding Hunter’s NFL future: Will he play wide receiver, cornerback —or both — for the Jaguars?
Armstead specifically announced Hunter as a “wide receiver and defensive back.” Hunter was later asked by ESPN sideline reporter Molly McGrath about his future role with the team: “They told me they’re just going to let me go out there and do what I do,” he said. “They put me on the phone with both coordinators.”
While GM James Gladstone and head coach Liam Coen are yet to speak to reporters, NFL insider Adam Schefter gave this update: “They will on-board him by giving him a heavy dose of the wide receiver position while still playing him at his more natural position on defense.”
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Frankly, the Jaguars could use his rare talents on both sides of the football.
Their defense was among the worst in football in every major category in 2024, specifically in pass coverage. He figures to at least mix in as a cornerback in a room that includes Tyson Campbell, Jarrian Jones and the newly signed Jourdan Lewis, a veteran who projects as Jacksonville’s starter in the slot.
This is now Coen’s team, though, as he'll be calling the offensive plays and managing that side of the ball. While still raw at the receiver position in terms of route running, Hunter still erupted for 96 receptions, 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns for Colorado in 2024. He’s smooth, explosive and has untapped potential in an offense that also includes superstar wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr.
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