At this point in the season, it can be said that the New England Patriots are lacking when it comes to offense. Next year can be a different story if they manage to pick Colorado Buffaloes’ Travis Hunter in the draft, as detailed in ESPN’s latest NFL analysis
Just recently, the Patriots’ subpar performance on the field was shown in a match against the Jacksonville Jaguars and suffered a disappointing 32-16 loss in London. The defeat prompted harsh criticism from Jerod Mayo, who labeled the team as “soft.” This latest setback has left fans questioning just how much lower the team can sink as they struggle through a six-game losing streak since their initial win over the Bengals.
Despite the grim outcome, there were some highlights. Rookie quarterback Drake Maye threw for 276 yards and two touchdowns, showcasing his potential with an impressive opening drive that resulted in the Patriots’ first touchdown. However, the team’s overall performance fell apart, particularly in the second quarter when they allowed the Jaguars to dominate both offensively and defensively.
The Jaguars amassed 171 rushing yards, running the ball effectively on 39 attempts, while the Patriots managed only 38 rushing yards on 15 carries. This inability to stop the run has been a recurring issue for New England. Additionally, their struggles on third downs continued, as Jacksonville converted six of ten attempts, including a lengthy 17-play drive that consumed valuable clock time.
Maye’s promising plays were overshadowed by the team’s persistent lack of discipline, resulting in seven penalties that disrupted their momentum. As the Patriots head back home, they face the reality of needing significant improvements both in strategy and execution if they hope to turn their season around. The road ahead looks challenging, and fans are left hoping for a turnaround in the coming weeks.
ESPN’s NFL Draft Analysis Projects New England Patriots Will Land Travis Hunter in 2025
As it stands, Hunter is projected to be the second pick of the 2025 NFL Draft. According to an analysis by ESPN’s Jordan Reid, the Buffaloes star will likely play for the New England Patriots by then.
Offensive line is certainly the biggest need for the Patriots’ roster, but there isn’t an offensive tackle or interior lineman in this class who is worthy of the No. 2 pick. Trading back with a QB-needy team should be an option for New England, which would allow it to build at multiple spots around Drake Maye. But the Patriots lack true top-tier stars, and Hunter is the No. 1 overall player on my board. He has the ability to play either receiver or cornerback at the next level, and I keep going back and forth on which makes the most sense. (I’m leaning cornerback.) He has great length, speed and hands — traits that show up on both sides of the ball.
If things play out like this, it would be the third time in the common draft era (since 1967) that college teammates are the first two players off the board, per ESPN Research (and the first time since 2000, when Penn State had Courtney Brown and LaVar Arrington go 1-2).
In ESPN’s latest 2025 mock draft, the New England Patriots are projected to select Travis Hunter, the standout cornerback from Colorado. Hunter has garnered attention for his impressive skill set and versatility on the field, showcasing both defensive prowess and playmaking abilities.
This potential pick reflects the Patriots’ need to strengthen their secondary amid ongoing struggles this season. As they navigate a challenging year, adding a talent like Hunter could significantly enhance their defensive lineup and provide a bright spot for the franchise’s future. Fans are eager to see how this draft unfolds.
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