With the first wave of NFL free agency in the rearview mirror, it’s time to look ahead to the NFL draft. The Patriots were undoubtedly busy in free agency, having the biggest purse. Adding Austin Hopper, Mack Hollins, and Josh Dobbs for some proven depth on the offensive side of the ball. Seeing their activity in the free agency, you might be feeling that they are done adding to their offense. Well, apparently, NFL analyst Daniel Jeremiah feels they can still do more to help Drake Maye. And the name he believes could simply redefine the Patriots offense next season is a Heisman Trophy runner-up.

I feel you have already guessed the name Jeremiah probably predicted. Yep, it’s Boise State’s running back Ashton Jeanty. With the Patriots having the No.4 pick, Jeremiah has a suggestion for the team. On Pat McAfee’s show he said, “If you don’t [pick], Abdul Carter or Travis Hunter. I would add a little line to the end of the best available. I would say the best available player that can help your quarterback, I would be looking at the offensive side of the ball and Ashton Jeanty.” See, it’s almost certain where the Patriots are on the clock, Carter and Hunter won’t be there. 

Carter could most likely head to Music City or Cleveland. As for Hunter, the Giants might pick him up at No.3. So, with Hunter and Carter gone, Jeremiah feels the Patriots should further bolster their offensive setup. And who better than Jeanty, who was the FBS leader in both yards from scrimmage and rushing yards? Like it also earned him the Maxwell Award and Doak Walker Award for being the top running back in college.

Standing at 5’8” and 211 pounds, Jeanty may not be Mike Vrabel’s Derrick Henry in Foxboro. But he can still be the best offensive weapon who would instantly make the Patriots a force to be reckoned with. And you know what makes Jeanty more special? He isn’t your average running back. Jeanty can even be your reliable receiver to add a dual-threat game to his plays. In his 3 seasons with Boise State, Jeanty has racked up 80 catches for 862 receiving yards. This proves he can be more than a capable pass-catcher.

But will the Patriots grab him? Well, for that answer, we might have to wait till the draft. Staying on the subject of the draft, it seems the Patriots’ divisional rivals are plotting something audacious. If it does come true, it could help them in securing Travis Hunter.

Patriots’ divisional rivals predicted to draft Travis Hunter

See, Hunter is the hottest prospect in this year’s NFL draft. Titans, Browns, Giants and even the Patriots at 4th are pondering on the opportunity of drafting the Heisman Trophy winner. And considering he is a once-in-a-generation two-way player, he could instantly come and change any franchise’s offense and defense in the blink of an eye. Last season, Hunter caught 96 passes for 1,258 yards and 15 TDs. While racking up 35 tackles, a forced fumble and 4 INTs as CB.

Seeing those numbers can make any team drool on the prospect of signing the Colorado star. But do you really think the Jets have a chance of signing Hunter? Well, Mike Band of the NFL.com has made a wild prediction. He believes the Jets could trade up from No.7 pick to No.5 in hopes of landing Hunter.

“The Jets need help opposite Garrett Wilson at receiver and Sauce Gardner at cornerback, making New York an ideal spot to showcase his rare two-way talent. It would be fitting for former Jets corner/current head coach Aaron Glenn to select a ball-hawking playmaker with his first pick on the job,” Bank predicted. But is it really feasible that Hunter might still be available at No.5?

Like the only reason the Patriots are expected to draft Jeanty is if they don’t get Hunter. So, it would mean if the Titans, Browns, Giants and Patriots all let Hunter go, the Jets will have their chance. Is this scenario really possible? Probably, no. But you never know.