Patriots Fans Should Take Note Of AFC Scout’s Take On Travis Hunter

In most years, the worst teams in the NFL can bank on getting an immediate difference-maker at the top of draft.

But not this year.

NFL draft analysts are extremely down on this year’s crop of prospects, believing they come nowhere close to stacking up to past draft classes. That’s bad news for the New England Patriots, who currently hold the fourth overall pick.

But all hope isn’t lost for the Patriots and the rest of the dregs of the league. One AFC scout believes there is a single player that stands out among the current group of draft-eligible players and has the best chance of being an NFL star.

“(Travis) Hunter is the only guy this year who would have been a top-10 pick last year — probably in most years,” the scout told The Athletic’s Dane Brugler.

The Patriots reportedly have had their eyes on the two-way phenom, sending scouts to watch Hunter in a game early this season.

The only issue for the Patriots? Hunter most likely will be gone if their draft positioning remans the same. Most draft gurus, like Brugler, have Hunter going No. 1 overall due to his excellent athleticism and unique skill set.

Trying to land Hunter could incentivize the Patriots to tank their final four remaining games. They might not have lose on purpose, either, since they face a tough slate down the stretch, which features the Arizona Cardinals, Los Angeles Chargers and two games against the Buffalo Bills.

Losing all four of those games could catapult the Patriots to the No. 1 pick, but it won’t be easy to get that spot with several other teams battling for it as well. If the Patriots did end up getting there, though, they would have massive decision on their hands.

The Patriots could take Hunter or fill a clear need by drafting an offensive lineman — Brugler has New England selecting LSU tackle/guard Will Campbell if it stays at No. 4. But it certainly would be extremely hard passing on Hunter with the top pick.