This is the first in a series I’m going to do in the lead-up to the draft. I’ll start by breaking down some of my binkies in general before projecting them to the Pats. The first up is Travis Hunter.
Height/Weight: 6’1” / 188 lbs.
Class: Junior.
College: Colorado.
Projection: Top-5.
Overview
Hunter enters the 2025 draft as one of the most electrifying and versatile prospects I have ever seen. A Heisman Trophy winner (2024), Hunter redefined two-way football at Colorado, excelling as both a lockdown cornerback and a big play WR. His rare combination of athleticism, instincts, and production on both sides of the ball makes him, by definition, a generational talent. While his positional future in the NFL remains a debate—cornerback, wide receiver, or a hybrid role—his ceiling is sky-high, drawing comparisons to legends like Charles Woodson and his college coach, Deion Sanders.
Strengths
1. Utah, Nov 16, 2024 (W, 49-24): Hunter dominated both sides of the ball, hauling in 8 catches for 137 yards and 2 TDs as a receiver while locking down Utah’s top WR (1 catch allowed, 12 yards) and snagging an INT on defense. His two-way brilliance flipped the game.
View: https://youtu.be/g2qTmLLu7h0?si=uPxo08bvVZQi8tG8
2. Cincinnati, Oct 26, 2024 (W, 34-23): A showcase of offensive playmaking—9 receptions, 153 yards, and 2 TDs, including an acrobatic 50-yard score. Defensively, he shadowed Cincy’s best receiver, allowing just 2 catches for 19 yards and breaking up 2 passes.
View: https://youtu.be/lyXVMu27vjo?si=orGk4gVyhg4oS7DG
3. Baylor, Sep 21, 2024 (W, 38-31 OT): Hunter’s dropped his nuts on the table in overtime, catching the game-winning TD (4 catches, 67 yards total) and sealing it with a forced fumble on defense. His 116 snaps in this game underscored his endurance.
View: https://youtu.be/rtQ5EhXgYoI?si=GJT0Hb23b5PO8alk
2024 Stats
In Vrabel’s scheme—likely a hybrid 3-4 or 4-3 with heavy man principles like his teacher—Hunter projects as a full-time CB, in my opinion. Pairing him with Christian Gonzalez to form a potentially elite tandem could cause issues for opposing offensive lines having to deal with the likes of Barmore and White. His length (31 3/8” arms), ball skills, and instincts make him a natural fit to shadow No. 1 receivers, while his tackling ability bolsters run support in nickel and dime packages. Vrabel’s Titans defenses thrived on forcing turnovers (top-10 in INTs, 2018-2021), and Hunter’s knack for picks (9 career INTs) could elevate New England’s secondary to top-tier status.
Offensively, Vrabel could deploy Hunter in situational packages—think red-zone targets or gadget plays—capitalizing on his 14 TD catches in 2024. It should be notable that Vrabel himself played both ways as a Patriot (notably catching TDs in goal-line sets), and his playful exchange with Hunter at the Combine (“You’re not the only one who played two ways”) suggests openness to creative usage. With ample cap space to address other needs (I.E., OT, WR depth), Hunter at No. 4 is a luxury pick who could redefine the Patriots’ ceiling. I’d still love to see the team address OT here, but I wouldn’t be all that upset if Hunter is still there and we grab him.
Bottom line, Hunter’s rare talent gives Vrabel the possibility of a generational chess piece. While I mainly prefer him as a CB, don’t be surprised if he sneaks in a few offensive snaps to keep defenses guessing.
Height/Weight: 6’1” / 188 lbs.
Class: Junior.
College: Colorado.
Projection: Top-5.
Overview
Hunter enters the 2025 draft as one of the most electrifying and versatile prospects I have ever seen. A Heisman Trophy winner (2024), Hunter redefined two-way football at Colorado, excelling as both a lockdown cornerback and a big play WR. His rare combination of athleticism, instincts, and production on both sides of the ball makes him, by definition, a generational talent. While his positional future in the NFL remains a debate—cornerback, wide receiver, or a hybrid role—his ceiling is sky-high, drawing comparisons to legends like Charles Woodson and his college coach, Deion Sanders.
Strengths
- Elite Ball Skills: Hunter’s ability to track and attack the ball is exceptional, whether intercepting passes as a corner or snagging contested catches as a receiver. His 2024 stats—4 INTs and 14 TD receptions—showcase this rare gift.
- Athleticism and Speed: With some of the most fluid hips I’ve seen out of a draft prospect to go along with quick-twitch burst, and long speed, Hunter can flip the field as a receiver or erase receivers as a DB. His acceleration shines in open-field situations. As a CB, he sticks to the receiver’s hip in man and closes quickly in zone, often baiting the QB into a risky throw.
- Football IQ: Hunter’s instincts are off the charts. He reads quarterbacks’ eyes, anticipates routes, and adjusts on the fly, making him a menace in zone coverage and a savvy route-runner on offense.
- Versatility: Played over 700 snaps on both offense and defense in 2024 (713 offensive, 748 defensive), maintaining elite production despite an unprecedented workload. His stamina and conditioning are most definitely NFL-ready.
- Massive nostrils: His thick nose and dinner plate-sized nostrils make for maximum oxygen intake and enhanced endurance.
- Competitive Toughness: A willing tackler in run support (35 tackles, 1 FF in 2024) and fearless over the middle as a receiver, Hunter’s motor never quits.
- Size and Strength: The most obvious. At 188 lbs, Hunter’s lean frame raises durability concerns, especially if tasked with full-time two-way duty in the NFL’s physical environment. He’ll need to add bulk without losing agility. This is the primary reason I wouldn’t play him both ways full time.
- Deep Speed Matchups (CB): While fast, Hunter occasionally struggles with elite deep threats as a corner, relying on scheme help or safety support against burners. His technique in press-man coverage needs refinement. He’ll need to develop his upper body strength at the next level. His jams need to be more violent.
- Positional Focus: Splitting time between WR and CB in college may have limited his mastery of either role. NFL teams must decide where to maximize his talents, as full-time two-way play seems unsustainable at the next level.
- Route-Running Polish (WR): Though effective, Hunter’s route tree is still developing. He relies heavily on athleticism rather than clean releases via misdirection or breaks, which top corners could exploit.
1. Utah, Nov 16, 2024 (W, 49-24): Hunter dominated both sides of the ball, hauling in 8 catches for 137 yards and 2 TDs as a receiver while locking down Utah’s top WR (1 catch allowed, 12 yards) and snagging an INT on defense. His two-way brilliance flipped the game.
View: https://youtu.be/g2qTmLLu7h0?si=uPxo08bvVZQi8tG8
2. Cincinnati, Oct 26, 2024 (W, 34-23): A showcase of offensive playmaking—9 receptions, 153 yards, and 2 TDs, including an acrobatic 50-yard score. Defensively, he shadowed Cincy’s best receiver, allowing just 2 catches for 19 yards and breaking up 2 passes.
View: https://youtu.be/lyXVMu27vjo?si=orGk4gVyhg4oS7DG
3. Baylor, Sep 21, 2024 (W, 38-31 OT): Hunter’s dropped his nuts on the table in overtime, catching the game-winning TD (4 catches, 67 yards total) and sealing it with a forced fumble on defense. His 116 snaps in this game underscored his endurance.
View: https://youtu.be/rtQ5EhXgYoI?si=GJT0Hb23b5PO8alk
2024 Stats
- Offense: 92 receptions, 1,152 yards, 14 TDs (12.5 yards/touch)
- Defense: 35 tackles, 4 INTs, 11 PBUs, 1 FF; 38.7 passer rating allowed (best among Power 5 CBs with 400+ coverage snaps)
- Snap Count: 1,461 total (713 offense, 748 defense)
In Vrabel’s scheme—likely a hybrid 3-4 or 4-3 with heavy man principles like his teacher—Hunter projects as a full-time CB, in my opinion. Pairing him with Christian Gonzalez to form a potentially elite tandem could cause issues for opposing offensive lines having to deal with the likes of Barmore and White. His length (31 3/8” arms), ball skills, and instincts make him a natural fit to shadow No. 1 receivers, while his tackling ability bolsters run support in nickel and dime packages. Vrabel’s Titans defenses thrived on forcing turnovers (top-10 in INTs, 2018-2021), and Hunter’s knack for picks (9 career INTs) could elevate New England’s secondary to top-tier status.
Offensively, Vrabel could deploy Hunter in situational packages—think red-zone targets or gadget plays—capitalizing on his 14 TD catches in 2024. It should be notable that Vrabel himself played both ways as a Patriot (notably catching TDs in goal-line sets), and his playful exchange with Hunter at the Combine (“You’re not the only one who played two ways”) suggests openness to creative usage. With ample cap space to address other needs (I.E., OT, WR depth), Hunter at No. 4 is a luxury pick who could redefine the Patriots’ ceiling. I’d still love to see the team address OT here, but I wouldn’t be all that upset if Hunter is still there and we grab him.
Bottom line, Hunter’s rare talent gives Vrabel the possibility of a generational chess piece. While I mainly prefer him as a CB, don’t be surprised if he sneaks in a few offensive snaps to keep defenses guessing.
