Here’s who NFL Draft experts have Patriots taking with No. 3 pick

Patriots

Travis Hunter has been tabbed by several draft experts as a top pick for the Patriots at No. 3 overall.

The Patriots have seemingly found both a franchise QB in Drake Maye and a proven No. 1 cornerback in Christian Gonzalez. 

But New England is still short on several playmakers across both sides of the ball as the Patriots try to piece together a competitive roster in the years ahead.

The Patriots will have an opportunity to add another blue-chip prospect to their depth chart in the coming months via the 2025 NFL Draft.

Even if this current draft class may not be as stacked as last year’s, New England should be well-positioned to add one of the top skill players among this current crop of prospects — especially with the Patriots not in the market for a QB like Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders. 

But with the Patriots — currently positioned to pick No. 3 overall — hindered by several holes across their roster, who should the team prioritize when it lands on the clock in late April?

Here is the latest roundup of NFL mock drafts and who experts have tabbed as New England’s first-round selection. 

Field Yates, ESPN: Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado

Given that New England could both use another top corner to pair with Gonzalez and an explosive playmaker on offense, Yates believes that New England should target the reigning Heisman Trophy winner in Hunter. 

“The most electric player in the class and top-ranked prospect on my board, Hunter offers difference-making ability on both sides of the ball,” Yates wrote. “He has rare acceleration and high-end playmaking traits as a receiver, but I also see lockdown cover skills — including elite ball skills and instincts — as a cornerback. Consider that he not only is sixth in receiving yards (1,152) and second in TD catches (14) on offense but also has four interceptions and 10 pass breakups on defense.”

Even if Hunter offers the highest upside, Yates was candid when acknowledging that New England could be tempted to address their offensive line with the No. 3 pick.

“The Patriots have a significant need at left tackle, so targeting someone such as Texas’ Kelvin Banks Jr. is at least a conversation,” Yates added. “But once factoring in holes at receiver and the cornerback spot opposite of Christian Gonzalez, Hunter is too good to pass up.”

Rob Rang, FOX Sports: Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State

While most of the discourse surrounding New England’s draft needs have revolved around tackles and pass-catchers, Rang believes that a disruptive pass-rusher like Carter might be too good to pass up for the Patriots at No. 3 overall. 

“No one needs to tell Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo about the impact quality defenders can have on a franchise,” Rang wrote. “Carter has the most explosive first step of anyone in this class. Pair him with blossoming star Keion White and the Patriots could have the makings of a dominant defensive line.”

Joseph Acosta, SB Nation: Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado

“I think New England would run to the podium if the board fell this way,” Acosta wrote. “Hunter is an electrifying talent who would be a good receiver, but could be an incredible cornerback with his instincts and ball skills. A duo of Hunter and Christian Gonzalez would be one of the NFL’s best young duos.”

Daniel Flick, Sports Illustrated: Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado

“The Patriots need to surround rookie quarterback Drake Maye with better pieces,” Flick wrote. “New England is last in the league in passing offense, averaging only 170 yards per game, and needs help on its offensive line and with its skill-position talent. 

“How special is Hunter? He’s top six in the country in receptions (92), receiving yards (1,152) and receiving touchdowns (14), and nobody’s certain whether he’s better suited to play receiver or cornerback at the next level. He intercepted four passes this fall, two of which came in his final three games. No matter where the Patriots put him, he’ll be a star.”

Josh Edwards, CBS Sports: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

Edwards has the Patriots taking another impact receiver in the 6-foot-2 McMillan, who has drawn comparisons to Mike Evans. 

“Offensive line has to be a priority for the Patriots, but Tetairoa McMillan may be higher ranked on their board,” Edwards wrote. “Most draft decision-makers would tell you that best player available outweighs need, but this would be an interesting case study to that point with the Patriots.”

Brad Crawford, 24/7 Sports: Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado

“College football’s best player, Travis Hunter stars on both sides of the football for the Buffaloes and averages more than 130 snaps per game,” Crawford wrote. “That’s not going to happen in the NFL, however.

“The New England Patriots would have to decide if Hunter’s better-suited as a top-end wide receiver prospect or a guy who has a decade-long career as a shutdown cornerback. With the franchise’s future at quarterback solidified with Drake Maye, drafting the best player overall makes sense here if he’s available.”

Count Jones as another NFL draft expert who thinks Carter would offer the greatest return for New England. 

Even with a strong season from Keion White, the Patriots currently have the fourth-fewest sacks in the NFL with 27. Carter has racked up 10 sacks, 37 solo tackles, and two forced fumbles so far this year with the Nittany Lions. 

“Abdul Carter possesses significant potential in the 2025 edge rusher class and is just beginning to tap into his abilities,” Jones wrote. “Standing at 6’3” and weighing 252 pounds, he showcases elite athleticism and an aggressive approach to pass rushing. His physicality, flexibility, and explosive movements enable him to win battles on the line almost instantly.

“Although he is still developing his repertoire of pass-rush techniques, as Carter continues to learn the position and refine his skills, he has the potential to become one of the top edge rushers in the NFL.”

 

Conor Ryan is a staff writer covering the Bruins, Celtics, Patriots, and Red Sox for Boston.com, a role he has held since 2023.