Travis Hunter could be ‘placeholder pick’ at the top of the 2025 NFL draft

Travis Hunter could be ‘placeholder pick’ at the top of the 2025 NFL draft

Travis Hunter, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, may be the most gifted athlete in the 2025 NFL draft pool. He may be the most talented player to have ever taken the field, even if he is not the most statistically dominant.

Interestingly, he might be drafted as a “placeholder” by the New England Patriots at the top of the draft if Robert Kraft’s team has the first choice. Christian D’Andrea of For The Win believes this to be the case.

“This is a placeholder pick—a player the Patriots may utilize in a position where they are unlikely to select him. New England does not need a quarterback and has other gaps to fill. Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders could be used by the three teams below them in the standings (and a few more). Expect New England to auction off this pick to the highest bidder in the hopes of receiving a sum comparable to what the Carolina Panthers spent for Bryce Young in 2023,” D’Andrea said.

“Hunter now fills openings on both sides of the roster. He can be a dynamic corner with Christian Gonzalez, giving the Patriots one of the league’s most promising young coverage combinations. On offense, he may be Drake Maye’s huckleberry, catching Maye’s beautiful deep throws with his incredible ball skills. In any case, he’d be a valuable addition to a club lacking in talent.

There are just a few teams seeking for a quarterback, and after selecting Drake Maye in last year’s draft, the Patriots will not be looking for another anytime soon. Hunter makes sense as a cornerstone piece for Foxborough.

Hunter’s ability to produce big plays may make any number, including No. 48, a best-selling jersey. However, he will not be able to wear No. 12 due to Tom Brady’s legacy.