Major silver lining to Patriots Week 5 loss has long-term implications

The Patriots' 2024 season was not expected to be one of their better years, and it has already proven to be far from fun watching the team struggle every week. It's also not great seeing the losses pile up, along with injuries and less-than-ideal performances, making the season harder to watch.

Fans are becoming more frustrated as the season progresses, especially since it doesn't look like the roster is improving to provide much optimism. And now it's nearing the point of looking for anything that can be a silver lining amid the chaos, which looks like it could be looking ahead to next year's draft.

That became the light at the end of the tunnel during the 2023 season, with fans hoping for a top-5 pick to ensure a new quarterback was on the way, and although it's still far too early to know when the Patriots will pick in the first round in 2025, it's becoming a topic of conversation online already.

After the conclusion of almost every game this past week, except Sunday and Monday night games, New England sits with the projected first overall pick next year.

While they don't need a quarterback since they selected Drake Maye earlier this year, there has been chatter regarding who they might have their eye on. Their failure this season is the only exciting part if it means a great draft pick.

Consistent failure could reap big rewards for the Patriots in 2025

Even before the season began, projections had the Patriots securing a top-5 pick in the 2025 Draft due to the significant changes made to their coaching staff and roster. So, seeing that they currently hold the first overall selection isn't all that shocking, even if it is not something fans have seen in a long time.

With that in mind, it's still the silver lining of an otherwise bad season that could get worse.

If the Patriots are going to be a bad team this year, they might as well get rewarded with a high draft pick, right? They might not use it and could actually trade down and stockpile a ton of future picks. But if they want to make the selection, rumors claim they are interested in picking Colorado wide receiver Travis Hunter.

He's had an impressive season so far, recording 46 receptions for 561 yards and six touchdowns. He would be a great addition to the roster, especially with a receiving corps that continues to be labeled as undertalented. But they could also shift their focus to taking a left tackle, which is much more needed than another receiver.

Regardless, they're on pace to have another high selection in the first round, and it might not be fun to see the team playing as badly as they are; it could be to see them have the chance to draft an incredible talent next year.

If there's nothing else to be excited about this season, at least that's something.

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