"Trav and Drake Maye? That’d be tough": Travis Hunter makes eye-catching Patriots pitch amid NFL draft rumors

Could the New England Patriots strike gold by pairing Travis Hunter with quarterback Drake Maye? The Colorado two-way star sparked speculation during a livestream, giving a straightforward answer when asked about the possibility of joining Maye in New England.

"Trav and Drake Maye? That’d be tough," Hunter said.

Hunter, a standout for Colorado this season, has been electrifying on both sides of the ball. As a wide receiver and cornerback, he racked up 92 catches for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns on offense, while contributing 31 tackles, a forced fumble and four interceptions on defense.

His versatility and playmaking ability earned him recognition as a Heisman finalist and a sweep of prestigious honors, including the Chuck Bednarik Award (Defensive Player of the Year) and the Fred Biletnikoff Award (best wide receiver).

If the NFL season ended today, the Patriots would hold the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 draft, according to Tankathon.com. That position would give them a shot at landing a game-changer like Hunter.

Hunter’s skill set and confidence make him an intriguing fit for the Patriots, especially if paired with a young, dynamic quarterback like Maye.

Is Travis Hunter an NFL Wide Receiver or a Cornerback?

Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Travis Hunter - Source: Imagn

As a cornerback, Travis Hunter has posted elite stats this season. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), he earned the third-highest coverage grade and allowed the ninth-best passer rating. His rare ball skills — highlighted by seven interceptions and 17 defended passes in just two seasons — make him an immediate NFL prospect at cornerback.

But is cornerback his best fit? Wide receiver is a premium position in today’s NFL. Ten receivers have contracts worth $90 million or more, including seven over $100 million. Meanwhile, only one cornerback crosses the $100 million mark, per Bleacher Report.

Meanwhile, the reigning Fred Biletnikoff Award winner has proven himself as an explosive playmaker. This season, he’s added more polish to his game, refining his release techniques against press coverage and mixing up his speed and pacing to stay unpredictable. He’s effective against all types of coverage — soft press, off-man, and zone — making him a nightmare matchup for defenses.

So, is Hunter better suited as a wide receiver or a cornerback in the NFL? The answer isn’t black and white.