The New England Patriots are a team in transition. For the second straight year, a new team is in place, seeking to get the former dynastic giants back on track. Two years and a combined record of 7-27 are daunting for all but the most confident of football coaches. Fortunately, the team finally arrived at a coach who's experienced enough to tackle the challenge in Mike Vrabel.
To accomplish his goals, Vrabel needs one thing above all: talented players. Even a DaVinci can't sculpt a masterpiece from a poor piece of marble or watery clay. Vrabel's artistry has to be at work over the next two months. The reconstruction can and should begin now with trades.
Free agency begins March 10, and the 2025 draft is held at the end of April. For all intents and purposes, the 2025 Patriots will be formulated by the end of April. It's an intense two-month period that will determine everything.
A recent report from nbcsports.com should furnish optimism to Patriot Nation. Whether you're a betting person or not, Patriots fans must like this sound. Here's what the report suggests,
"Colorado’s Heisman Trophy-winning cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter is likely heading to New England, if the betting odds are to be believed.
"The Patriots are the betting favorites to draft Hunter, with +190 odds at DraftKings.
"New England owns the fourth overall pick in the draft, and has the highest pick among teams that aren’t looking to draft a quarterback. New England drafted Drake Maye last year and this year will be looking to draft players who can help build a team around Maye."
Travis Hunter to the Patriots is a grand slam home run pick
Because they won their last game against the Buffalo Bills' B-team, the Patriots aren't assured of getting Hunter or Abdul Carter, the other top positional player in the draft, at pick No. 4. Trading up to ensure the Pats land Hunter should be a consideration. Additionally, teams needing a young quarterback (or not) may decide whether Hunter or Carter is still available at pick No. 4.
If Hunter is available at No. 4, there is no other player in the draft the Patriots should prefer over this generational Colorado Buffalos talent. He's the best player in the draft, and if he's there, the Patriots should take a few seconds to write his name and send the card up to Commissioner Goodell.
Hunter is not only the draft's best player overall, as indicated by his winning the coveted Heisman Trophy this season, but he's also as foolproof a pick as you can get. He's not only likely the best receiver in the draft, but he's also fairly certainly the best cornerback as well.
Travis Hunter is a dream pick for the Patriots
Where Head Coach Mike Vrabel deploys Hunter may depend on the team's success or lack thereof in free agency and trades. Hypothetically, should the team land a free agent like Chris Godwin and also trade for D.K. Metcalf, their need at receiver would be dramatically reduced. Vrabel could then choose to deploy Hunter as a starting cornerback.
If not, Hunter has the credentials to assume the No. 1 or No. 2 receiver spot and start immediately. In 2024, he caught 96 passes for 1258 yards and 15 touchdowns. He's a star in the making catching the football. Paired with Drake Maye, it's an entirely different Patriots' passing game than in 2024.
Add a top receiver in free agency and/or by trade, and he'll team up with him and exponentially improve the Patriots' receiving corps. The Patriots should be able to nab at least one solid NFL receiver either in free agency or by trade. It's not an option; Vrabel has to get that done.
Whatever side of the ball Hunter starts at (it could change depending on injuries or other circumstances), he can also be used as a stellar third-down and long option for the other. If he's a receiver, he can be used as a lock-down cornerback addition on defense. Conversely, he'd be a top-receiving addition on offense if primarily employed as a cornerback.
Hopefully, the betting odds cited by nbcsports.com are on the money. If the Patriots draft Travis Hunter, they'll immediately upgrade the roster, adding immense talent on both sides of the ball.
He'll also infuse it with a little-seen attribute at Gillette recently: excitement. If those odds play out, Travis Hunter will help change the landscape of the AFC East in 2025 in favor of the Patriots.