Patriots to Pick Best Player Available in NFL Draft amid Travis Hunter Buzz, Says Wolf

Despite not doing much in free agency to address their glaring needs at offensive line and wide receiver, the New England Patriots won't necessarily force the issue in the 2025 NFL draft in favor of bypassing a player who is ranked higher on their board.

Speaking to fans at a season-ticket event on Sunday (h/t Karen Guregian of MassLive.com), Patriots executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf said they will use the No. 4 overall pick on the best player available regardless of position.

This has been a key talking point for Wolf throughout the offseason. He told reporters at the NFL scouting combine that they were "excited to fill the roster out" in free agency so they "can use [the fourth-overall] pick on the best player."

It can certainly be argued that free agency didn't exactly result in a windfall of talent for the Patriots. They did make a huge investment with a four-year, $104 million contract for Milton Williams after his breakout 2024 for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Beyond Williams, though, they didn't really go hard after players who can help second-year quarterback Drake Maye. Morgan Moses at tackle and Garrett Bradberry at center are capable starters, but maybe not the best players to build an offensive line around.

Their only investments at pass-catcher thus far are Mack Hollins and Austin Hooper.

All of these moves leave the board wide open for the Patriots. Travis Hunter would seem to be the best player who might be available when their first pick comes up, but new head coach Mike Vrabel built the Tennessee Titans around being strong in the trenches.

If that's the case, it could open the Patriots up for Abdul Carter, Will Johnson, Armand Membou and Mason Graham. B/R's NFL scouting department projected Carter to New England in its most recent mock with Cam Ward, Shedeur Sanders and Hunter being the top three picks.

The consensus mock draft rankings have Hunter as the most popular pick to New England. He would be a great fit because of his ability to play wide receiver.

New England could also have Hunter prioritize wide receiver over cornerback since Christian Gonzalez and new free-agent addition Carlton Davis are set to be the top two corners.

All of this depends on how the board plays out on draft night. If Hunter is available at four, his unique skill set should be too tantalizing for a team that needs as many dynamic playmakers as it can get to pass up.