Who would’ve imagined that Travis Hunter’s biggest strength could give him problems in the NFL draft? He was a force in college football this past season, making history as a formidable two-way player. But it seems the Heisman winner might have to make a choice between cornerback and wide receiver. And that likely choice isn’t what the $7.4 billion franchise requires at the moment. 

New England Patriots fans, it would’ve been something to sign one of the best CFB players of all time. However, despite the rumors and advice that Travis Hunter would be a great pairing for CB Christian Gonzalez in NE, a deeper analysis suggested something else. “The New England Patriots CAN’T draft Travis Hunter in the 2025 NFL Draft 👀🤦🏻‍♂️” That’s the caption that Patriots Global made on their X post on January 5. The reason? “As fun as it would be to see Christian Gonzalez and Travis Hunter playing side by side at the secondary, that pick is not what’s going to help the Patriots start winning and start contending.”

As of now, the Patriots are almost guaranteed the No. 1 overall pick ahead of their Week 18 game against the Buffalo Bills. With their 3-13 record, the worst that could happen will be them going down to the No. 5 overall pick. After drafting Drake Maye with their third overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Patriots aren’t seeking a QB this year.

As the report further stated, “Look at all the needs the Patriots have before QB. Wide receiver, offensive tackle, edge rusher, defensive tackle, it just would not make sense for them to use a luxury pick on their fourth or fifth biggest need.” 

The chances of Travis Hunter being drafted as WR by the Patriots with their No. 1 pick aren’t nonexistent. There have been cases in the past where a WR was the first to get off the board – KeyShawn Johnson to the New York Jets in the 1996 NFL Draft. But the problem is that the Paul Hornung Award winner could be gravitating towards defense. And the Patriots have no immediate need for a starting cornerback. 

Travis Hunter – WR or CB?

It’s a crossroads for Travis Hunter. Some say he’s a better WR prospect. However, several NFL executives feel that the Colorado ATH is a cornerback and not a wide receiver at the NFL level. What about playing both ways? The two-way star recorded 713 defensive snaps and 709 offensive snaps and 1,100 receiving yards. However, playing both ways may not be as beneficial in the NFL as a former DB thinks. 

Rod Woodson said, “I just think if you are burning candles at both ends of the stick, he could play well, but the likelihood that he’s going to be great at both… that’s not likely. Not in the National Football League.” The 17-year NFL veteran added, “He can be that All-Pro, next generational corner.” Besides, it’s not often that we see dynamic CBs rise in the NFL with the exception of players like himself, Deion Sanders, and Charles Woodson, among others. 

Still, other players like Chad Johnson believe a receiver is a better option for Travis Hunter. It’s a giant leap, so a lot of assessment and contemplation could be going on in his mind, too. All we can do is wait for him to drop his ultimate decision and we can go ‘wow.’