Patriots Expected to Make Surprising Draft Choice

The New England Patriots hold the No. 4 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. After winning their final game of the season, they lost the top spot and dropped to fourth.

With this pick, the Patriots are looking to secure a future impact player. Fans have rallied behind Travis Hunter as their preferred choice, but the team’s plans may differ.

Hunter is an intriguing prospect for New England, particularly as a long-term receiving threat for young quarterback Drake Maye. However, the Patriots might still pass on him, even if he’sfrustration

Daniel Flick of Sports Illustrated recently released a mock draft where he predicts the Patriots will pass on Hunter. Instead, he suggests the team might opt for Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan.

“Despite the promise of Drake Maye’s rookie season, the Patriots finished with the NFL’s worst passing offense, averaging 176.1 yards per game,” Flick wrote. “New England needs to add weapons around Maye, and the fourth pick might be too early for an offensive lineman. McMillan, standing 6’5” and weighing 212 pounds, has a wide catch radius and tallied 1,319 receiving yards this season, the third most in the FBS. Pairing him with Maye could help shape the future of the Patriots’ offe

Choosing McMillan over Hunter could significantly impact the team’s future. If McMillan doesn’t live up to expectations and Hunter excels, the Patriots’ decision could be remembered as a major draft blun

McMillan had an impressive season despite playing for a struggling team, racking up 1,319 receiving yards. Meanwhile, Hunter claimed the Heisman Trophy, adding to his appeal.

This offseason, the Patriots face critical decisions, with their No. 4 draft pick being one of the toughest. If they pass on Hunter, it’s likely to spark frustration among fans.

While speculation abounds, the ultimate decision will only be known when the Patriots make their selection.