The New England Patriots still need help at wide receiver, so why not get this year’s most unique prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft?
That’s how ESPN’s Mel Kiper has it playing out in his most recent mock draft posted Tuesday. Kiper has New England taking Colorado cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter with the No. 4 overall pick.
Kiper noted that the Patriots loaded up on defense in free agency, but still need help at receiver. Hunter played full-time on offense and defense in college. But Kiper has him projected to fill the Patriots' void for a No. 1 wide receiver.
“While Hunter could absolutely play cornerback in the NFL, I have him ranked as a receiver, where he can pick apart opponents with his ball skills, quickness and instincts,” Kiper wrote. “Despite playing both ways, he caught 96 passes for 1,258 yards and 15 scores last season. I just really like the fit in the Patriots' offense with quarterback Drake Maye.”
Things broke the Patriots' way in Kiper’s projection. The ESPN draft guru had two quarterbacks going in the top three along with Penn State edge Rusher Abdul Carter. That left Hunter to fall into New England’s lap.
The Patriots went in big in free agency, signing the likes of DT Milton Williams, LB Robert Spillane and CB Carlton Davis. New England did add a few pieces on offense. But OT Morgan Moses and WR Mack Hollins aren’t considered to be top-tier additions.
New England has been in dire need of wide receiver help for years. That need is especially glaring now that Maye looks like a keeper at quarterback. The 2025 draft class isn’t considered to be quite as strong at receiver. However, Hunter does present a dynamic option.
There are questions about whether the reigning Heisman Trophy winner can (or will) play both sides in the NFL. For New England, the need at receiver is greater. So if the Patriots do land Hunter, look for the team to add his talent to the receiver corps.
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