The 2025 NFL Draft is just around the corner, and excitement is building as the New England Patriots are positioned to make a significant impact with their No. 4 overall pick. Over the recent weeks, analysts and draft experts have weighed in on potential scenarios, predicting that key talent like Travis Hunter may just fall into the Patriots' lap.
Currently, the Patriots are eagerly anticipating the draft, which is scheduled to occur five weeks from today, on April 24-26. According to ESPN’s Mel Kiper and NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah, the expected first three picks may see quarterbacks Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders taken, paving the way for Hunter to be available at the No. 4 spot. This scenario is of particular interest to the Patriots, who have faced criticism for their lack of star power and big-play ability in recent seasons.
Travis Hunter, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, emerged as a dual-threat player during his time at Colorado, boasting impressive stats that include 16 touchdowns from 98 touches last season.
While many fans are buzzing about the possibilities of Hunter donning a Patriots jersey, there's a lingering question about his optimal position. Despite the Patriots’ pressing need for a top-tier wide receiver, many analysts argue that Hunter's skill set may translate better to cornerback. As Dane Brugler notes, “Theoretically, it is easier to be a full-time corner and then sprinkle in 25 plays on offense per game as opposed to the other way around.” This perspective suggests that Hunter could play both positions but might excel more consistently if he focuses on defense.
Nick Baumgardner adds another layer to the discussion, stating, “The value a team gets from a truly generational corner outweighs what it gets from a wide receiver of the same ilk.” This evaluation aligns with the current makeup of the Patriots' roster, which includes strong cornerbacks Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis, creating room for Hunter to shine on defense.
However, some argue that the best course of action is utilizing Hunter as a wide receiver. Given the Patriots' stark need at the position, entering the new season with the worst group of wide receivers in the NFL poses a significant risk to their offensive play. Advocates for this approach assert that it’s crucial to cater to the immediate needs of the team, especially with quarterback Drake Maye's development in mind. “He’d immediately be the best receiver on the team,” one analyst remarked, highlighting Hunter's exceptional big-play ability which has been sorely lacking from the Patriots’ offensive line-up.
This draft class appears relatively thin on wide receiver options, which makes the choice to maximize Hunter’s talents on offense all the more pressing.
Reflection upon the rebuilding process should guide the decisions made at the draft. The Patriots clearly have long-term goals that extend beyond the immediate push for a playoff run in 2025. As Baumgardner mentions, “It’s not vital to have the best wide receiver group possible in 2025, when the playoffs aren’t a realistic consideration.” Developing Hunter primarily as a cornerback could prepare the franchise for a more competitive roster by 2026. The reasoning behind this is that if Hunter is indeed capable of becoming “the best cornerback on the planet,” as suggested by analytics, the organization should cultivate this potential.
Ultimately, whichever position the Patriots choose to deploy Hunter in, his exceptional talent makes him a must-have if he happens to fall to No. 4 in the draft. There’s a credible argument for keeping Hunter at cornerback while cautiously integrating offensive snaps. Nevertheless, the urgent requirement for a playmaker on offense may drive the decision in favor of giving Hunter a full-time role as the best receiver on the team.
The decision will galvanize many loyal Patriots fans who are just eager to see how the team can turn Hunter's remarkable abilities into on-field success. If he can meet expectations, there may even be an opportunity for the team to deploy him in a flexible capacity, allowing him to switch between offense and defense based on game plans in 2026 and beyond. The anticipation for the 2025 NFL draft is palpable, and at the center of it all stands the talented Travis Hunter and the New England Patriots, ready to seize any potential opportunity that comes their way.
