Colorado’s Travis Hunter won last season’s Heisman Trophy for best college player but the Titans were in need of a franchise quarterback.
The Jacksonville Jaguars then made a shock move by agreeing a trade with the Cleveland Browns to gain the second pick, with which they claimed Hunter.
The 21-year-old is set to become the NFL’s first genuine two-way player since the 1990s and visit London next season as the Jaguars host an annual game at Wembley.
Hunter was the first draft prospect in 27 years to have played significant time on both defence and offence in college – at cornerback and wide receiver.
After last year’s draft, Hunter’s former Colorado and Jackson State quarterback Shedeur Sanders was installed as the initial favourite to be this year’s first pick.
Ward was expected to be a late-round pick but a fine season with Miami saw him usurp Sanders in January, and Sanders’ draft stock fell sharply in the final days before the draft.
The New York Giants took pass rusher Abdul Carter with the third pick, before the New England Patriots chose offensive tackle Will Campbell and Cleveland claimed defensive tackle Mason Graham.
Sanders continued to slide and although he met with the Pittsburgh Steelers, who need a quarterback, they chose not to take the 23-year-old with the 21st pick.
More to follow.
