The NFL Combine provides teams with an up-close and personal look at the incoming class of rookies. They can see them perform drills to evaluate their athleticism in more specific detail and meet with them one-on-one to get a better feel for their personalities.
When you're a team in the top-5 picks of the first round, like the Patriots, those meetings are crucial in deciding who the best player would be to select when you're finally on the clock. For the most part, their choices have consistently revolved around the same few names since before the offseason even began.
The most popular player the Patriots have been connected to in recent months has been Colorado's dual-threat Travis Hunter, who played 100% of defensive and offensive snaps during his college career as a cornerback and wide receiver. He would be an excellent player to add to their roster, as he would immediately address two weaker positions on the team and be available to them at No. 4.
Hunter will inevitably be a primary focus on fan's radar over the next week, which is partly why Executive Vice President of Player Personnel Eliot Wolf was explicitly asked about him while meeting with reporters on Wednesday afternoon.
Unsurprisingly, he had nothing but positive things to say about the Heisman Trophy winner.
Patriots view Travis Hunter capable of playing both positions in the NFL if they draft him
There has been a lot of debate about what teams would be best suited for a player like Hunter, given he could come into the league and play on specific position rather than both.
On most draft boards, he is listed as a defensive back, presumably suggesting he is a stronger cornerback than wide receiver. However, according to Wolf, he feels he could play both roles in the NFL, seeming to hint that he could do that for the Patriots if they were to draft him in Round 1.
#Patriots EVP of Player Personnel Eliot Wolf says Colorado CB/WR Travis Hunter is a “tremendous” prospect.
— Carlos A. Lopez (@LosTalksPats) February 26, 2025
“He’s really unique and instinctive at both positions… I think there’s a scenario where he can play both ways.” pic.twitter.com/ACFBx5TDBT
Related: Travis Hunter sounds like he wants to play for the New England Patriots
This contrasts with the presumed belief from teams across the league regarding how they would use Hunter if he were on their team. The assumption has been he will play one position or the other, as it's unlikely he would have the stamina to play 100% of snaps in the NFL, not to mention the risk of injury wouldn't be worth it, either.
However, the Patriots would benefit from using him as a cornerback or a receiver since both positions need upgrading this offseason. They could decide to use him in each role for specific reasons and when they see the best fit, making all parties the ultimate beneficiaries.
Not to mention, keeping the door open for him to play both roles would be better for their chances of making the best decision for Hunter once he's in the NFL, especially going into the draft, as he has already stated he would like to play both in his transition to the league.
The biggest question now, though, is whether Hunter will even be available for the Patriots to draft at No. 4. He has been mock-drafted first overall by several analysts over the last few months, if not only falling to pick No. 3 to successfully take him off the board by the time New England is on the clock.
It would be a shame if they didn't have the opportunity to even consider selecting him at that point, which would then bring back their Week 18 win over the Bills to haunt them once again.