The hopes of the New England Patriots to draft standout prospect Travis Hunter appear to be dwindling.

During Colorado’s recent pro day, all eyes were on quarterback Shedeur Sanders and the two-way gem, Travis Hunter. Hunter showcased his impressive skills by running routes that highlighted his versatility as both a cornerback and a wide receiver—traits that would ideally complement the Patriots’ rebuilding strategy. However, for this dream to materialize, Hunter must drop to the No. 4 pick, and current indicators are not in favor of that happening.

In a shocking update from The Athletic’s Jeff Howe, it seems other teams are poised to snag Hunter before the Patriots get the chance. According to Howe, “There’s a growing belief around the league that Hunter is the favorite to go to the Cleveland Browns with the No. 2 pick.” The source of this insight comes from high-ranking executives and coaches who have been closely following the pre-draft process. Reports indicate that the Browns have shown significant interest in Hunter, and Browns general manager Andrew Berry was seen closely observing Hunter during the drills at the pro day.

Adding to the concerns for the Patriots, their interest in Hunter appears lukewarm. The team sent only vice president of player personnel Ryan Cowden to Colorado’s pro day, which is unusual since franchises typically send larger groups of scouts and executives to meet potential top picks in person. The limited attendance raises eyebrows about their commitment to securing Hunter’s talents.

If Hunter is indeed a primary target for both the Browns and the New York Giants, and if they pass on quarterback Shedeur Sanders in favor of the versatile star, the options for the Patriots to upgrade their team could dwindle drastically. Rumors suggest that if teams pivot to different prospects, Abdul Carter might be at the top of their lists, leaving the Patriots with fewer options as the draft approaches.

While the draft is still a few weeks away, and teams could very well alter their strategies, the signs are pointing to a significant setback for the Patriots' chances of landing Travis Hunter. Fans will be watching closely as the draft date looms ever closer, and the reality of their team's prospects becomes more apparent. Keep your fingers crossed, Patriots Nation!