New England Patriots Mock Draft Roundup 3.0

If the Browns decide to draft Abdul Carter, the Patriots will gleefully select Hunter as a future two-way star. His ball skills and after-the-catch ability are not of this planet, so it won't be a surprise if he becomes a prolific receiver for an offense that needs one, while also working with corners Carlton Davis and Christian Gonzalez.

Nobody wants to see two QBs go in the first three picks more than Patriots fans, because it'll mean they get one of Abdul Carter or Travis Hunter. I believe Hunter's brightest future is on the defensive side of the ball, but if he ends up in New England, it's probably to play on offense.

Surprise? It shouldn't be that big of one, considering how many boxes Membou has checked off throughout the draft cycle. He has a legitimate case to be the first offensive tackle off the board. The Patriots need an OT still and Membou has the skills and talent to play either on the right or left side of the line.

This is the dream scenario for the Patriots with two quarterbacks going in the first three picks. It was going to be a tough decision if Hunter and Carter were both gone, stuck picking between an offensive or defensive lineman. Instead, the Patriots land the most dynamic player in this draft for a team that lacks play-making talent. To start, Hunter would probably have to play wideout since New England has arguably the worst wide receiver depth chart in the league and is mostly set at cornerback with Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis. But maybe down the line, Hunter gets to play both offense and defense. Either way, he brings excitement to a team that needs it. — Chad Graff

Bolstering the offensive line would seem to be the obvious move here for the Patriots, but it would be tough to pass up such a unique talent like Hunter. He would immediately be their most potent weapon for Drake Maye.

The Patriots entered free agency with over $127 million in cap space and wasted no time in using it, leading all teams in players signed and money spent. Left tackle and receiver, however, remain areas of concern. Campbell lacks elite measurables, but he's as pro-ready as this class gets at tackle, projecting as Drake Maye's immediate and long-term blindside protector.

The Patriots are thrilled to be the team to stop Hunter's mini fall here and add a dynamic talent to a roster in need of more players of this caliber.

You might be thinking there's no way Carter falls this far. Well, the Patriots would love this. They'd run to the podium. This would be a great scenario for them. Mike Vrabel's squad has been active in free agency, particularly on defense. Adding Carter would help further build that unit up. I know they've got issues along the offensive line, but there's just no way I'd take an offensive lineman with Carter still on the board. He's just too good. I loved covering Carter last season as he played everywhere for Tom Allen's defense, being an effective off-ball player and edge rusher.

The Patriots have been active in free agency, including signing Milton Williams, Harold Landry III, Carlton Davis III and Robert Spillane. But as you can see there, the big-name additions have come on defense. All that spending and still no WR1.

While Hunter could absolutely play cornerback in the NFL, I have him ranked as a receiver, where he can pick apart opponents with his ball skills, quickness and instincts. Despite playing both ways, he caught 96 passes for 1,258 yards and 15 scores last season. I just really like the fit in the Patriots' offense with quarterback Drake Maye.

Sure, the Patriots need a left tackle, but none of the tackles in this class hold a candle to Travis Hunter as a prospect. He immediately becomes Drake Maye's No. 1 receiver with the ability to moonlight on the defensive side of the ball.

New England should consider itself not to be in any rush to leap into competitive windows and start drafting for need. The addition of Morgan Moses in free agency alleviates some of the OL pressure and puts New England in a position to simply draft a difference-maker.

Given Carlton Davis' age as a new signee and the need for wide receiver talent, Hunter should have little issue finding reps for the Patriots.