Just when it felt like Travis Hunter in a Patriots jersey was all but destiny, the 2025 NFL Draft storyline flipped the script. With Mike Vrabel now at the helm in New England—a former two-way star himself—it looked like things were lining up. Vrabel even had a chit-chat with Hunter, fueling talk that the Pats might be the perfect spot, especially with Hunter standing firm on playing both WR and CB.
But then came Colorado’s Pro Day. You’d expect New England to roll in deep, right? Especially for a guy like Hunter? Nope. According to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, the Pats sent just one rep: VP of Player Personnel Ryan Cowden. Compare that to last year when they sent nine execs to see Drake Maye, and yeah, it feels…off. Maybe the Patriots are so sold on Hunter’s talent they didn’t need a big showing. Or maybe—just maybe—they’re pivoting.
A new shift in strategy could mean Hunter is out of the Patriots’ plans. While he’s still widely viewed as a top-5 pick—with Cleveland and New England both floated—the vibes are different now. The Browns are a QB carousel with Kenny Pickett, Joe Flacco, and Deshaun Watson, and even that feels shaky. Remember when Field Yates called Hunter a “comically good” fit for the Pats? That dream’s fading fast. We’re back in draft limbo—and Hunter’s landing spot just got murkier.
The reason? NFL insider John Frascella dropped a huge update on X regarding New England’s potential trade strategy. “NFL RUMOR: The New England Patriots are exploring the possibilities of moving OUT of the 4th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. If they are unable to trade up to the position for Abdul Carter, they are interested in trading down to collect additional assets.” Noticeably absent? Any mention of Travis Hunter.
NFL RUMOR:
The New England Patriots are exploring the possibilities of moving OUT of the 4th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
If they are unable to trade up to position for Abdul Carter, they are interested in trading down to collect additional assets.
They like Will Campbell…… pic.twitter.com/wlSEhkPE1N
— John Frascella (Football) (@NFLFrascella) April 13, 2025
With Penn State EDGE rusher Abdul Carter’s rising draft stock making him less likely to be available at No. 4, the Patriots’ Plan B is starting to show. Also, both the Titans and the Browns face the dilemma of choosing between a quarterback and a defensive standout. With the Titans eyeing Cam Ward and the Browns potentially moving towards Shedeur Sanders, the situation is indeed complex.
Despite Frascella suggesting a trade scenario for the Patriots, they aren’t entirely dismissing Carter, scheduling a Top 30 visit with him on Monday. Let’s be real: teams don’t typically host a player that close to the draft without serious consideration. Plus, Carter’s fit in Mike Vrabel’s defense, which has struggled with pass rush (ranking 21st in total defense and 23rd in points allowed last season, their worst since 1995), seems like a natural match.
The initial vision of Travis Hunter in New England—a solid WR2 behind Stefon Diggs and a future CB2 forming a potentially elite cornerback group with Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis—would have been exciting, even if it cost the Patriots their top two picks. But that scenario appears to be off the table. However, the Patriots still have avenues to strengthen their offensive line for Drake Maye.
Not Carter, but a Lineman Blocking Travis Hunter’s Patriot Path
With the NFL Draft just two weeks away, the Patriots, holding a coveted top-five pick, are the center of intense speculation. While some envisioned a dynamic playmaker like Travis Hunter or a disruptive force like Abdul Carter joining their ranks, a different strategy might be emerging.
Jacob Infante of PFSN threw a curveball in his recent mock draft, projecting the Patriots to prioritize bolstering their trenches by selecting LSU offensive tackle Will Campbell with the No. 4 pick. “It looks like the New England Patriots have their quarterback in Drake Maye,” Infante wrote. “They could go in several directions with the No. 4 pick, but they would be wise to consider using an early pick on protection for their new franchise passer.”
The 21-year-old Will Campbell would be a significant addition to their roster. A 2023 Joe Moore Award finalist at LSU, he boasts impressive experience with 2,553 snaps over three years, allowing a mere five sacks (three as a freshman in 2022 and two in 2024).
Infante’s projection doesn’t end there. He also has the Patriots selecting Iowa State’s Jayden Higgins in the second round—a big, dependable receiver who fits their “X” receiver mold perfectly. Infante explains, “As the Patriots look to continue their rebuild and build around Drake Maye, another wide receiver could be a smart investment with an early-round pick this year. Jayden Higgins is a coordinated, big-bodied receiver with impressive ball skills who rarely drops passes.”
This potential shift towards fortifying the offensive line aligns with what even NFL insider John Frascella hinted at, though with a touch of uncertainty: “They like Will Campbell… but do they like him enough for 4th overall?”
So, while the draft board remains fluid with numerous players in the mix, the question lingers: will this potential focus on Will Campbell and offensive line protection cause Travis Hunter’s top-5 draft odds to hold steady, or will this unexpected development lead to a significant drop?
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