NFL draft expert names Patriots as perfect team for top WR prospect in 2025

Now that the Patriots have the potential to go on a winning spree as the schedule gets a little bit easier over the next weeks, the 2025 NFL Draft might not be at the forefront of most fans' minds anymore. But because the Patriots are still projected to have a top-5 selection, who they could realistically pick continues to be a topic of conversation, especially since they already have their quarterback.

The consensus has agreed that their first round pick, no matter where they land, should be a left tackle or a wide receiver, and next year's prospects have wildly talented players at both positions.

That makes the Patriots' projected selection even better, given their needs. One of the favorites to join the team is Colorado cornerback and wide receiver Travis Hunter.

He has been a name on fans' radar for the last two years, and his impressive 2024 season has pushed him to the top of the list of most desirable future Patriots. The new regime also appears to feel that way, as they have already sent scouts to watch him up close for the Buffalo's season opener against North Dakota State.

Through eight games thus far, Hunter has recorded 60 receptions for 757 yards and eight touchdowns. On top of that, because he also plays cornerback, he's recorded 21 combined tackles with one for a loss, seven passes defended, and two interceptions returned for 38 yards.

He seems like the perfect player to end up in a Patriots uniform next year, and NFL Draft expert Mel Kiper shares that sentiment.

Mel Kiper believes New England is the perfect spot for Travis Hunter to play in the NFL

In his latest piece for ESPN, Kiper chose the best fits for ten of the best college football prospects expected to be in next year's draft.

Because Hunter is expected to go in the top 5, and the Patriots are projected to pick there, Kiper claims they would be the best place for the dual-threat player to start his NFL career, especially with Drake Maye under center and Christian Gonzalez owning the secondary.

“We’re talking about the best player in the class, so the fit has to be a team likely to pick in the top five, if not earlier. The Patriots would love to have the 6-foot-1, 185-pound Hunter, regardless of what position he plays in the pros. Quarterback Drake Maye needs a legitimate WR1, and Hunter can be that guy.

His hand-eye coordination, speed and ball skills are all excellent. But I could also see a world where coach Jerod Mayo puts him on defense, lining him up opposite Christian Gonzalez to form a great young cornerback duo. New England can’t go wrong; Hunter has eight TD catches and two interceptions this season.”

While there is a fair argument to be made that selecting one of the best left tackles of the class should be more of the priority for New England than a wide receiver with their first-round pick, it's hard to argue against them picking one of the best wide receivers of the entire 2025 class.

They want to build the offense around Maye, so adding an incredibly productive player like Hunter to the lineup would immediately improve the group. The quarterback would have his clear WR1, something he doesn't have now, and the two could dominate defenses for years to come.

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