The New England Patriots are in dire need of an offensive playmaker, particularly at wide receiver. With the 2025 NFL Draft fast approaching, speculation is mounting about whether they could make a move for Colorado’s two-way superstar, Travis Hunter.
Many NFL teams project Hunter as a full-time defensive back at the next level, given his elite coverage skills and ball-hawking ability. However, New England may have a different perspective on the dynamic prospect.
Patriots See Hunter as a Two-Way Star
According to Karen Guregian of MassLive.com, the Patriots view Hunter as both the best defensive back and the best wide receiver in the draft class. That evaluation is significant because while New England has a well-stocked secondary, their wide receiver room remains one of the weakest in the league.
The Patriots already boast a formidable cornerback duo, led by Christian Gonzalez, who has been a rare bright spot for the franchise over the past two seasons. This offseason, they further strengthened their secondary by signing former Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Carlton Davis to a three-year, $60 million deal.
With those pieces in place, New England appears set in the defensive backfield for the foreseeable future. The same cannot be said for their wide receiver corps.
Desperate Need for a Game-Changing Receiver
The Patriots aggressively pursued upgrades at the receiver position this offseason but came up short. They reportedly made a strong push for Chris Godwin, offering significantly more money than what he ultimately accepted to stay with the Buccaneers. Another potential target, Tee Higgins, was taken off the market when he signed a long-term deal with the Cincinnati Bengals.
That leaves New England with a receiving corps led by DeMario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, and Kendrick Bourne—hardly an imposing group. Adding a talent like Hunter could immediately inject explosiveness into a lackluster passing attack.
Hunter’s Elite Offensive Production
While he is widely regarded as one of the top defensive prospects in the draft, Hunter’s offensive numbers are equally impressive. Last season at Colorado, he hauled in 96 receptions for 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns, proving he has the skills to be a legitimate weapon at the NFL level.
The biggest question surrounding Hunter is how his dual-threat talent will translate to the pros. Throughout his collegiate career, he has made it clear that he does not want to be limited to just one position. However, the reality of the NFL often forces players to specialize, and the team that drafts him will likely ask him to focus on either offense or defense.
What Will the Patriots Do at No. 4?
New England holds the No. 4 overall pick, putting them in prime position to select an impact player. While many draft analysts believe they could use the pick to shore up their offensive line by taking the best available tackle, others argue that passing on a generational talent like Hunter would be a mistake.
If the Patriots truly see Hunter as a top-tier wide receiver prospect, he could be the perfect answer to their offensive struggles. But if they view him primarily as a defensive back, it’s harder to justify using such a high pick on a position that is already a strength.
With the draft approaching, the Patriots’ decision could come down to whether they are willing to embrace Hunter’s rare versatility—or whether they believe he will need to choose a definitive role in the NFL.
Either way, New England’s interest in Hunter suggests they are open to making a bold move, one that could define the next era of the franchise.