Further proof the Patriots would be fools to pass on drafting top receiver in 2025

Just like at this point last season, the Patriots have a 3-10 record and are projected to have a top-3 draft pick again. Because they have their quarterback in rookie Drake Maye, using the third overall selection on him earlier this year, they will have the chance to use the pick on other significant positions on the team.

On top of that, depending on where they land in the draft order, it might benefit them to trade down with a quarterback-needy team, adding even more picks to their repertoire to boost the team further, especially the offense.

No matter what they do, however, they continue to be among the teams favored to sign two of the top wide receivers in the incoming rookie class of 2025. In recent weeks, Arizona's Tetairoa McMillan has been mock-drafted for the Patriots across the board. But earlier in the season, Colorado's Travis Hunter was in that position.

The duality of Hunter as a cornerback and receiver makes him one of the most enticing prospects of the entire draft. The Patriots need help in both roles, making it even more difficult for them to completely pass on the opportunity to add him to the roster. And the more stats that come out to prove just how good he really is, it might force the Patriots to stand pat with their high selection and take the 21-year-old.

Travis Hunter is almost too good to be true for the Patriots in 2025

Among the most impressive parts of Hunter's game is that he is on the field for 100% of defensive and offensive snaps for Colorado. How he manages to pull that off, we'll probably never know. But what makes it even more incredible are his grades from PFF in both positions.

As a receiver, he was given a grade of 88.3, and as a cornerback, he received a 90.9 coverage grade, putting him among the best of the best if he continues that once he becomes part of the NFL in both areas.

Although he's projected to be the first overall pick because of his talent, it's still possible the Patriots will inevitably end up atop the draft board with a tough remaining schedule. If that's the case, or even if Hunter somehow falls in the draft, there's reason to believe the Patriots won't have it in them to pass on taking him.

Because they need help in the secondary beyond Christian Gonzalez, pairing him with Hunter would immediately make for another shutdown cornerback room. Hunter's versatility would also immediately boost Maye's offense moving forward, so why not kill two birds with one stone?

If the Patriots actually have the opportunity to take him, or if they do, if they will make the move, it will be one of the most fascinating parts of the 2025 NFL Draft.

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