As the 2025 NFL Draft gets closer, we are beginning to see players trending more and more toward specific teams.
More news: Steelers Deemed Best Fit For Surprising Quarterback Prospect in NFL Draft
At the top of that list is potential No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward, who is, barring a trade, widely expected to end up heading to the Tennessee Titans with the top selection.
One elite prospect who has had some more fluidity in his destination, however, is arguably the top player in class. We are speaking. of course, about Colorado receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter, who has been mocked anywhere from No. 2 overall to Cleveland to No. 4 overall to New England.
And according to FOX Sports, the latter might be the best fit for the reigning Heisman winner.
More news: Shedeur Sanders Plummets in Latest NFL Mock Draft
"Hunter entered the 2024 season as the top-rated overall prospect on my board and nothing has changed since," FOX Sports NFL Draft analyst Rob Rang wrote. "I believe he is the unique player who could play both sides in the NFL, as he pairs terrific agility with exceptional instincts and ball skills. With all due respect to recently signed free-agent wideout Stefon Diggs, Hunter is the No. 1 target Drake Maye needs."
Despite the signing of Stefon Diggs, the Patriots are in desperate need of a long term No. 1 option at wide receiver, and Hunter certainly fits that bill. Last season, Hunter had 96 catches for 1,258 yards and 15 scores, along with a rushing touchdown.
But as we all know, in addition to being the top wideout in the class, he is also arguably the top corner, playing 776 snaps on defense, including 428 in coverage, and landing an 88.2 overall grade from PFF. In those snaps, he also allowed just 23 catches, one touchdown, had four interceptions, and allowed a 39.9 passer rating on 41 targets against.
In fact, in total, Hunter played 1,458 snaps (682 on offense and 776 on defense), showcasing his incredible endurance.
For a team like New England who need significant help on both sides of the ball, its easy to see why Hunter could be exactly what they need come draft day.
All that being said, if Hunter is indeed the pick by the Patriots, it is likely that he at least starts off primarily on the offensive side of the ball, given the woeful amount of playmakers Maye has at his disposal - even after the addition of Diggs.
Last season, the Patriots did not have a single wide receiver eclipse the 650-yard mark, with the leading pass catcher being tight end Hunter Henry at 66 catches for 674 yards and two touchdowns.
Adding Hunter alongside Diggs could go a long way in fixing that issue.
The only question is: Will he still be on the board?
Related Articles
Every Major NFL Rule Proposed and Changed at Owners Meeting
Steelers Deemed Best Fit For Surprising Quarterback Prospect in NFL Draft
Cowboys' Micah Parsons Fires Back at Jerry Jones Over Contract Negotations
How a Potential Tush Push Ban Could Affect the Eagles' Draft Strategy
2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
This story was originally published April 1, 2025 at 1:30 PM.