The Patriots' 2024 season was predicted to be similar to how they have fared over the last four years, and because of that, many fans and analysts are already looking ahead to the 2025 NFL Draft, especially since it looks like New England will have a top-5 selection again.
Because they already have their quarterback in Drake Maye, the team will have their fair share of options once they're on the clock. They could snag one of the top left tackles available or go after one of the highly touted wide receivers of the class, like Colorado's Travis Hunter; neither would be the wrong choice.
There has been a lot of hype surrounding Hunter, who also plays cornerback for the Buffaloes. He is already considered the top prospect of the incoming group of rookies next year and is projected to go first overall. Since the Patriots currently hold that pick, they could easily draft their next WR1 and make Maye's job much easier moving forward.
But with that comes a bit of a controversy, which Hunter addressed during a recent interview.
Travis Hunter says all the right things about avoiding a possible conflict if drafted by New England
When discussing wearing No. 12 in the NFL, Hunter shared that it likely wouldn't be a number he could easily claim upon joining the league next year. The co-hosts disagreed, to which the dual-threat player shot back, citing the Patriots as an example.
Because Tom Brady infamously donned the number during his two decades in New England and after, Hunter swore off the number, claiming there's "too much legacy in that jersey" and that he "respect" Tom Brady "too much" to do that.
“I’m telling you I’ma rock number 40 though, like, nobody want to give me number 12 they want me to pay for it, bro. Say goodbye.”
— Overtime (@overtime) November 4, 2024
Travis Hunter on wearing number 12 in the NFL 🤣 @TravisHunterJr pic.twitter.com/9eIOjTChRc
Read more: NFL draft expert names Patriots as perfect team for top WR prospect in 2025
While Brady's number is unofficially officially retired, it's possible an exception could be made for a player like Hunter. However, it's probably best to avoid the possible controversy altogether, which is exactly what he intends to do if the Patriots select him next spring.
He would be an impressive addition to the team's offense and their secondary, quickly becoming one of Maye's favorite targets and an opposing receiver's worst nightmare along with Christian Gonzalez. The fact he's a unique dual-threat player makes him all the more intriguing and could make it even more difficult for the Patriots to pass up the chance to draft him.
Speculation suggests they will likely trade down if they hold the first overall pick, which makes sense, given how they want to build their roster. But at the same time, they would (likely) be forfeiting their chance to take Hunter if they go that route, and that might be a mistake in the long run.