Two weeks ago, the New England Patriots lacked explosiveness, lacked star power, and lacked playmakers for the quarterback they chose No. 3 overall in last spring’s NFL Draft.
However, after the Patriots inked dynamic wide receiver Stefon Diggs in free agency, New England has the chance to possibly create an electrifying receiving duo for Drake Maye in coordinator Josh McDaniels’ offense.
Diggs arrives with 857 career catches for 10,491 yards with 70 touchdowns, as easily the most prolific receiver on the roster, with one current NFL coach believing the Patriots will have a clearly defined role for him in McDaniels’ offense.
“He’s going to be a good position flex piece,” an NFL offensive coach recently told me of Diggs, on the condition of anonymity to speak freely about another team. “Josh [McDaniels] will use him a lot in slot and also as single receiver to isolate him for matchups.”
The Patriots might not be done adding at receiver, either.
New England Patriots Urged to Add Another Weapon for Drake Maye
Travis Hunter
CSU football wide receiver Tory Horton (left) and CU standout athlete Travis Hunter battle for position in the Rocky Mountain Showdown at Canvas Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, in Fort Collins, Colo.
As the NFL Draft approaches, the Patriots could be set up to add a game-altering weapon to pair with Diggs in Maye’s arsenal.
That’s the exact scenario that plays out in Pro Football Focus analyst Dalton Wasserman’s latest 2025 NFL Mock Draft projection, with the Patriots adding Colorado WR/CB Travis Hunter at No. 4 overall.
“New England can’t go wrong with either Hunter or Abdul Carter if they fall here,” Wasserman writes for PFF. “The only other component of this decision may be the Patriots’ opinion of Hunter as a receiver. He’s certainly proved himself worthy on the offensive side of the ball with a 90.7 PFF receiving grade across his three college seasons. Mike Vrabel and his staff aren’t tied to any of the young receivers on New England’s roster, and Hunter’s talent is too enticing to pass up.”
travis hunter nfl draft
Sep 28, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) scores a touchdown against the UCF Knights during the first quarter at FBC Mortgage Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images
There’s a strong case to be made that Hunter is one of the top-two prospects in the entire draft class, and the most electrifying offensive skill player available.
Adding Hunter, who caught 96 passes for 1,258 yards with 15 touchdowns, while averaging 13.1 yards per reception in his final season at Colorado, who also boasts special teams and defensive value-add could have a transformative impact on the Patriots’ offense.
Diggs and Hunter could be the duo at receiver that the Patriots need for Maye to level up in his second season and beyond.
Colorado Buffaloes, Travis Hunter, NFL
Oct 26, 2024; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) reacts after touchdown reception in the first quarter against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
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