Mel Kiper Projects Patriots’ Top Pick In Post-Free Agency Mock Draft

The first week of NFL free agency seemingly set up an ideal draft situation for the Patriots, who could select one of the two best non-quarterbacks in the entire class at No. 4.

Mel Kiper Jr., for one, sees the chips falling in New England’s favor.

In a new 2025 mock draft released Tuesday, one week after a flurry of moves across the league, Kiper projected the Patriots to take Travis Hunter with their first pick. The dual-threat phenom was available to New England after Cam Ward (Tennessee Titans), Abdul Carter (Cleveland Browns) and Sheduer Sanders (New York Giants) were taken with the first three selections, respectively.

“The Patriots have been active in free agency, including signing Milton Williams, Harold Landry III, Carlton Davis III and Robert Spillane. But as you can see there, the big-name additions have come on defense. All that spending and still no WR1,” Kiper wrote.

“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. 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.”

While Hunter might be a tad bit more suited to be a corner at the pro level than a receiver, New England already is in a great spot with its secondary — especially after landing Davis on a multi-year deal. This could allow the Colorado product to focus intently on offense, where the Patriots badly need an infusion of high-level talent. A creative offensive mind like Josh McDaniels also could maximize Hunter’s wideout skill set.

Not to mention, New England fans still are looking for sources of excitement even after Drake Maye’s emergence. One has to imagine Robert Kraft likes the idea of bringing on Hunter, who oozes star power and would help put butts in the seats at Gillette Stadium.