The New England Patriots have the fourth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, providing the franchise with an opportunity to land one of this year’s elite prospects with quarterback Cam Ward now expected to be the No. 1 pick. Weeks out from draft day, the biggest name being talked about is two-way player Travis Hunter.
Hunter, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, is viewed by a majority of teams as the top prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft. However, the quarterback-needy Tennessee Titans are expected to take Ward with the first pick and the exploding cost of salaries for edge rushers makes pass rusher Abdul Carter a top option.
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- Travis Hunter stats (ESPN): 96 receptions, 1,258 receiving yards, 15 touchdowns, 11 pass deflections, 4 interceptions
New England already addresses its cornerback room this offseason, signing free agent Carlton Davis to a multi-year deal with $20 million per season. Paired with third-year cornerback Christian Gonzalez, the Patriots’ defense next season will field two high-end starters on the outside. However, there are plenty of other Patriots draft needs to address.
If both the Titans and Cleveland Browns take quarterbacks, New England would be in a position to potentially take either Carter or Hunter. Alternatively, the club could use the fourth overall pick on offensive lineman Will Campbell or offensive tackle Armand Membou. If Hunter is available, that’s where things get interesting.
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According to Karen Guregian of MassLive.com, the Patriots front office has Hunter rated both as the top cornerback and the best wide receiver prospect in the entire 2025 NFL Draft class.
Opinions are mixed around the league regarding whether Hunter is best suited to play cornerback or wide receiver at the next level. The Browns, holding the second overall pick, have stated publicly that they view him as a receiver while others believe he should stick at cornerback.
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While New England could try him at both spots, he would be best utilized as the team’s No. 1 receiver. The team’s top targets in NFL free agency – Tee Higgins and Chris Godwin – stayed with their respective clubs while a DK Metcalf trade never materialized. Even if Hunter isn’t quite as polished as a receiver as he is at corner, he would immediately become the best pass-catcher on the Patriots’ roster.
All of this might not ultimately matter. If Ward is taken with the first overall pick, either the Browns or New York Giants will likely draft Hunter before New England even has a chance at him. If that happens, the Patriots will likely settle for Campbell.
