For most of the 2024 season, the Patriots were projected to have a top-5 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, prompting many to speculate about which player they could inevitably select. Once they solidified that was indeed where they would land, ultimately earning the fourth overall pick, they immediately became the favorites for Colorado CB/WR Travis Hunter.
The Heisman Trophy winner would immediately impact the offense and defense, as he played 100% of snaps on both sides of the ball. The Patriots need upgrades to their receiving corps, which Hunter could do, but they also need help in their secondary, especially for Second-Team All-Pro cornerback Christian Gonzalez.
Because of that, Hunter has seemed like the perfect fit.
While that sentiment remains, the chances that Hunter falls into the Patriots' lap at number four have grown increasingly unlikely as the weeks have passed. Now, they are no longer considered the favorites to land the dual-threat player come night one of the draft.
Instead, we're seeing a collective shift among mock drafts across several publications. Some still have the Patriots landing Hunter, but most are now having them take other players to fill some of their biggest roster holes.
Read More: Latest 2025 NFL Draft intel is bad news for the Patriots
New England Patriots 2025 NFL Mock Draft Roundup
Sports Illustrated: Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado
"Right off the bat, the Patriots land a major impact player. Being able to get Travis Hunter with the No. 4 overall pick would be a major steal. However, there is a very real chance that he slides to them.
Hunter would be a long-term elite playmaker for young franchise quarterback Drake Maye. For a team that desperately needs a No. 1 wide receiver, Hunter would be a potential answer.
In 2024, Hunter ended up catching 96 passes for 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns. He also won the Heisman Trophy. Drafting him at No. 4 is a no-brainer if he's available."
Tankathon: Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
ESPN: Kelvin Banks Jr., T, Texas
FanSided: Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado
"If Travis Hunter is still on the board when New England picks at four they should sprint to the podium to obtain his rights. His ability to be a true one-on-one specialist can change the match for the Patriots' front seven. Having him out on an island will make it much easier for his team to bring an extra man on the blitz.
Hunter could also make an offensive impact for the Patriots. Vrabel does seem like the kind of coach who would be open to the idea of a unique talent like Hunter playing both ways. He does not project as a superstar on the offensive side of the ball but he can be an asset there for New England given their dearth of talent at receiver.
There is a significant chance that the former Colorado star goes off the board in the top three picks. If that happens, look for New England to pivot towards some help in the trenches. Mason Graham and Abdul Carter could both be in play for the Patriots if they aren't fortunate enough to draft Hunter."
The Ringer: Will Campbell, T, LSU
"The Patriots beat the Bills in Week 18 to lose out on the first pick, but they don’t need to draft a quarterback, so they still end up with a very good player here. Campbell can provide a massive boost to New England’s porous offensive line, boasting the light footwork and overall athleticism to play at left tackle but the demeanor and body type to fill in at guard. He gives the Pats the options they need up front to protect Drake Maye in 2025."
The Draft Network: Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado
"The Patriots may need to open their wallet in the free agent market to fix their offensive line with no slam-dunk top-five pick in the draft class. With Travis Hunter on the board, he's too good to pass up for any of the offensive line options. I expect Hunter to primarily play cornerback with 20-ish snaps per game on the offensive side of the ball. The pairing of Hunter and Christian Gonzalez on the outside is an extremely exciting proposition for the Patriots' defense while also giving Drake Maye another weapon in key situations and late in games."
24/7 Sports: Will Campbell, T, LSU
"It's either Will Campbell or Kelvin Banks from Texas off the board as the first offensive tackle, according to 247Sports draft analyst Blake Brockermeyer. Prior to the final season in Baton Rouge for Campbell,
"With excellent technique as a pass protector, Campbell does a nice job of getting to the proper spot in protection and squaring his shoulders," Brockermeyer said. "He is generally a two-hand puncher, which can lead to problems if done exclusively, but Campbell generally stones his opponents and has excellent feet to recover if he slightly gets beat."
The Athletic: Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado
"The Patriots ruined their shot at the No. 1 pick with a Week 18 win Sunday — and then fired head coach Jerod Mayo as soon as that game ended. It might not actually matter in the end, though, because Hunter looks like New England’s best fit anyway. He’s the best player in the draft regardless of position, so this would be a steal."