The New England Patriots enter the 2025 NFL Draft with one hope: that quarterbacks Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders are taken in the top three picks. With three quarterback-needy teams selecting ahead of them, there’s a strong chance that either Abdul Carter or Travis Hunter will be available when they pick at No. 4.
Both players would be outstanding additions for New England, which is set to reap the rewards of finding its franchise quarterback in last year’s draft. Carter, an elite pass rusher from Penn State, and Hunter, a supremely gifted wide receiver/cornerback hybrid, were both in contention for the No. 1 overall pick. However, due to the positional needs of the Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, and New York Giants, one of them will likely be donning a Patriots cap in April’s draft.
Mel Kiper Jr. Predicts Travis Hunter to the Patriots
According to ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr., that player will be Hunter. In his most recent mock draft, Kiper made the bold prediction that the Colorado prospect will primarily play as a receiver in the NFL.
“The Patriots have been active in free agency, including signing Milton Williams, Harold Landry III, Carlton Davis III, and Robert Spillane. But as you can see there, the big-name additions have come on defense. All that spending and still no WR1.”
Kiper continued, “While Hunter could absolutely play cornerback in the NFL, I have him ranked as a receiver, where he can pick apart opponents with his ball skills, quickness, and instincts. Despite playing both ways, he caught 96 passes for 1,258 yards and 15 scores last season. I just really like the fit in the Patriots’ offense with quarterback Drake Maye.”
The popular belief is that Hunter will primarily play cornerback in the NFL, with the potential to contribute on offense occasionally. However, Hunter’s incredible athleticism and dominance at the catch point make him one of the top two receivers in the draft. With the Patriots’ recent struggles in finding top receiving talent, Drake Maye needs a go-to target. The chance to utilize Hunter on offensive drives may be too tempting to pass up.
PFSN Mock Draft Also Has New England Taking Hunter
PFSN analyst Anthony Pasciolla agrees with Kiper, predicting Hunter to the Patriots in his recent mock draft. According to Pasciolla, Hunter’s versatility makes him the perfect pick for New England.
“The New England Patriots have a plethora of holes on both sides of the ball, so why not kill two birds with one stone? Travis Hunter is one of the most unique prospects and Heisman Trophy winners of this century, performing at a high level on both sides of the ball.”
“While the Patriots made a number of splashy free-agency additions, they will need to put the right pieces around quarterback Drake Maye if they want to chase Super Bowls once again.”
Hunter to the Patriots seems to be the consensus pick, as Ward and Sanders are widely projected to go in the top three along with Carter. Hunter is arguably the best player in the draft, and wherever he lands, he’ll be making one fanbase very happy come September.