The Patriots selected CB Travis Hunter with #2 pick of the NFL draft. The front office is psyched about this pickup. Hunter looks like a superstar at 6’1 with 94 speed and an 80 overall rating. Better yet, new defensive coordinator Jon Grant is known for getting the best out of his athletes and projects Travis’s Speed will increase to 97, allowing him to cover any receivers. It doesn’t matter if they have great route running or great speed, it’s going to take both and your best day to beat Travis once he’s fully developed.
This is a move motivated by 2 factors. First, the Patriots defense was awful last year. They were 32nd in points allowed and 32nd in pass yards allowed. This defense got their asses handed to them for 17 straight weeks. To pick an offensive player after that season would be ridiculous, and GM CJ clearly understood that well.
The other reason for drafting him is that the AFC East is loaded with receiver talent. The Bills of course have 97 rated Stefan Diggs who every team has to respect. However, Coach Saban admitted that it’s really Johnny Wilson who keeps him up at night. In New York there’s another 97 overall receiver in Garrett Wilson. They also added 98 speed rookie Ben Perez. And everyone knows about Miami, that offense is high powered. Jermaine Burton and Jaylen Waddle are among the best receivers in the league and neither has reached their prime yet.
For the Patriots making a move for an elite corner wasn’t just the right move, it was the only move. Coach Saban may be on the hot seat but he can relax knowing GM CJ just secured the future of this defense for him.