The New England Patriots need a fresh start after finishing 4-13 for the second consecutive season. The once-dominant franchise has struggled to find success in the post-Tom Brady era, but a major change at the top could be the start of something special.
Former Patriots star linebacker and three-time Super Bowl champion Mike Vrabel was hired as the team’s new head coach, and he could have the team trending in the right direction right away with a savvy offseason and a strong 2025 NFL Draft – one that includes them drafting Colorado’s, Travis Hunter.
Patriots Predicted To Bolster Receiver Room By Selecting Travis Hunter
Since losing Julian Edelman, New England’s wide receiver room has been a debilitating weakness. No Patriots receiver has surpassed 1,000 receiving yards since Edelman in 2019. In 2024, the Patriots’ passing attack ranked near the bottom of the league, with tight end Hunter Henry leading the team in receiving yards.
The Patriots were after Tee Higgins and Chris Godwin during the offseason but only managed to sign Mack Hollins. However, the former Atlanta Hawks receiver has only crossed 500 yards once in his career. As a result, New England has their eyes set on the draft and is predicted to draft Hunter fourth overall in PFSN’s latest seven-round mock draft by Jacob Infante.
“It looks like the New England Patriots have their quarterback in Drake Maye. They could go in several directions with the No. 4 pick, but taking the best player available is the smartest move.
“There hasn’t been a prospect like Travis Hunter in years. While he has upside as a receiver, his elite ball skills and fluidity make him even more dangerous as a cornerback. No matter where he plays, expect him to contribute on both sides of the ball.”
It’s clear that the Patriots’ focus will be on surrounding second-year quarterback Drake Maye with the weapons he needs to succeed after he showed flashes of potential in his rookie season, starting 12 games and throwing for 2,276 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions.
Travis Hunter effort pic.twitter.com/cAn57KUfdR
— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) March 17, 2025
His regular season QB+ rating of 74.3 (ranked 19th in the NFL) showed glimpses of the talent that made him the third overall pick. If he’s given a reliable receiver like Hunter, there’s little to doubt that New England’s 26th-ranked offense will see a big improvement next season.
Hunter was easily the most exciting player in college football in the last two seasons. The true junior won multiple awards in 2024 while playing both ways at receiver and cornerback. His accolades include the Heisman Trophy, the Walter Camp Award, the Biletnikoff Award (nation’s best receiver), and the Bednarik Award (nation’s best defensive player).
Playing both ways takes an extreme toll on a player’s body, but Hunter believes he can handle it and wants to start a new trend in the NFL. Whoever drafts Hunter will ultimately decide where he plays, but he’s shown his body can handle double duty, averaging a whopping 113 snaps a game in 2024.
His final season at Colorado was the stuff of legend. In 13 games, he had 96 receptions for 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns. He also recorded 36 tackles, four interceptions, and 11 passes defended. Those are video game numbers from a 21-year-old.
It would be exciting to see him try playing both ways at the next level, but if the Patriots do draft him, we are likely to see him more as a receiver next season as New England’s receiver room lacks depth at this point.