Let’s go back to 2024, shall we? New England was finally moving on from legendary head coach Bill Belichick after his miserable 4-13 campaign. So, having the No.3 overall pick to themselves, the Pats used it on Drake Maye. Coming into a rebuilding Patriots team, Drake Maye probably wasn’t able to deliver the Ws (3-9 as a starter). But at least he did enough on the gridiron to now become the face of the Patriots. Winning his first Pro Bowl nod in rookie campaign, Drake Maye is now busy giving his opinion on whom he wants to see the Patriots draft this year.
You know the Pats’ record didn’t improve from last season. Like they recorded back-to-back 4-13 campaigns, prompting the Patriots’ front office to sack Jerod Mayo. So, with hope in his heart to move on from last season’s miserable record. Maye has one request from the Patriots’ top brass. Hopping on the Up & Adams show, he expressed how he wants the Patriots to use their No.4 pick. “I think you take the best player. I’m thinking that early, you take the best player available… Whoever wants to come play in New England and win some football games.” Yep, Maye didn’t spill any names. All he wants is for the Patriots to do what they believe is the best player available. And quickly scoop him up.
Drake Maye on who he wants the #Patriots to select with the No. 4 pick:
“I think you take the best player. I’m thinking that early, you take the best player available… Whoever wants to come play in New England and win some football games.”
( @UpAndAdamsShow) pic.twitter.com/LO7Sqo3Yz7
— Carlos A. Lopez (@LosTalksPats) March 25, 2025
So, which player can it be? ESPN’s Boston writer, Mike Reiss, had a suggestion that might make Maye the happiest QB in the NFL. Last year’s Heisman Trophy winner, Travis Hunter. “If he’s available at four, they don’t just take him. Don’t even wait, run the card fast to the podium as fast as Travis Hunter would run it,” Reiss told WBZ-TV. Why Hunter? Well, the answer is pretty simple. Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders will most likely be picked in the top 3.
Then, there’s the case of Penn State’s Abdul Carter. If somehow either the Giants or the Browns pick him instead of Hunter. Then, only the Patriots will get a sniff of Colorado’s two-way player. Yes, I know those scenarios seem impossible to happen. But hey! Never say never in the NFL, right? Pats getting Hunter would probably be the biggest scoop for the Patriots this season.
Hunter is coming off catching 96 passes for 1,258 yards and 15 TDs on the offense. He can easily get into the receiver slot, giving Maye the best offensive weapon he could have wished for. But what if they can’t get him? They need to have a backup plan, right? Well, that backup plan has already been suggested by the NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah.
If not Travis Hunter, then who?
Hunter would obviously be a no-brainer if the Patriots do get him. But if they don’t. Jeremiah suggested a name that could have a similar impact to Hunter, at least on the offense. On Pat McAfee’s show, Jeremiah said, “If you don’t pick, Abdul Carter or Travis Hunter. I would add a little line to the end of the best available. I would say the best available player that can help your quarterback, I would be looking at the offensive side of the ball and Ashton Jeanty.” Hmm! So, Jeanty, huh. See, he may not be a two-way player like Hunter. But at least Jeanty possesses enough offensive skills to make a two-way player just on the offense.
How? Jeanty is coming off Boise State, having led the FBS in both yards from scrimmage and rushing yards last season. Picked up Maxwell Award and Doak Walker Award given to best running backs in college. That’s just his talent on the ground. Jeanty can also be a reliable receiver. Not every day in college could you see running backs having 80 catches for 862 receiving yards in 3 seasons, right? But Jeanty made it possible through his versatility and dual-threat capabilities. Not really your average running back, is he?
So, obviously, the Patriots can do a lot by adding Jeanty to their roster. But will they really use their No.4 pick on a running back? In a strong running back class. Well, that’s a different question. We will only find out what the Patriots will do once the NFL draft goes live one month from today.
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