Patriots First-Round Draft Targets if Travis Hunter is Gone

The New England Patriots are in desperate need to hit it right in this year’s NFL Draft.

With the exception of their budding franchise quarterback Drake Maye, there wasn’t much promise in anyone else that they acquired last spring.

Now officially owning the No. 4 overall selection, the Patriots will be looking for a stud receiver that can slide in and make an impact from the get-go.

The Tennessee Titans have a bevy of their own needs as they are currently on the clock from now until April 24. One of those is a quarterback, but it will be tough for the Titans to pass up on the coveted talents that No. 1 prospect Travis Hunter can provide.

With the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants also in a murky quarterback situation, a lot remains in the air on who will be available for the Patriots.

That being said, the Patriots will need a contingency plan in place for if the Titans decide to pass on selecting a quarterback for the opportunity to grab Hunter.

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The top option at the receiver position will undoubtedly be Tetairoa McMillan from Arizona. The six-foot-five wideout is fresh off of back-to-back seasons with over 1,300 yards and eight or more touchdown catches.

He’s been compared to the same big frame and smooth, fluid style of play as that of Mike Evans. McMillan can milk out plenty of extra yardage after the catch by using his superior strength and agility.

The only aspects of his game that have been noted for improvement is his ability to sell his route running to defenders and urgency at the snap for route running.

New England’s leading pass catcher this season was tight end Hunter Henry. It was dead last in reception yards.

Patriots general manager Eliot Wolf could opt to improve the offensive line too; the Patriots allowed the fifth-most sacks in the NFL and in order for Maye to blossom under center, it’s a critical position that could be improved by drafting offensive tackle Will Campbell from LSU.

Campbell demonstrates strong balance, effective weight distribution, and solid leverage, allowing him to maintain a powerful base for both absorbing and delivering force. He transitions quickly and efficiently into a stable anchor, effectively handling aggressive pressure.

He’s the undisputed top offensive lineman prospect in this draft and is projected to get taken within the first five picks.

And then there’s defensive needs, specifically an edge rusher.

Abdul Carter collected 12 sacks and 68 total tackles for Penn State in his final season as a Nittany Lion.

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Carter transitioned from off-ball linebacker to EDGE this season and has shown promising athleticism with potential for growth as a pass rusher. He has a quick burst off the line, using his speed to win around the edge.

His pass-rushing arsenal includes a solid dip-rip move, and with improvement in his hand technique, he has the agility to develop a strong inside move. He plays with a high-energy, physical, and aggressive style, unafraid to collide with blockers at full speed.

New England just recorded the fewest sacks in the NFL.

Carter dominated in the College Football Playoff, disrupting plays with his pass rush and run recognition, making him an ideal top pick to kick off the Mike Vrabel era.

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