There is a growing possibility that the New England Patriots will be on the clock in the 2025 NFL Draft with Colorado superstar Travis Hunter available for selection.

And the two-way sensation has discussed the potentially awkward prospect of landing in Foxborough, where he will have a decision to make over his chosen jersey number. Hunter – the bookmakers’ favorite for the Heisman Trophy – has worn the No. 12 jersey throughout his stellar collegiate career.

That is the same number that Tom Brady – who delivered six Super Bowl titles to New England – wore across his two decades with the franchise. But Hunter has made clear he has no intention of stepping on Brady’s toes.

“I’m not going to wear Tom Brady’s number,” Hunter told Overtime. “That’s too much legacy in that jersey. I respect Tom Brady too much.”

The Patriots slumped to 2-7 on the season with an overtime defeat to the Tennessee Titans (2-6), leaving the franchise in pole position to land the No. 1 overall pick. Seven teams in the NFL have 2-7 records heading into Week 10, but the Patriots have played the weakest schedule of all of them, meaning they are tracking toward starting atop the draft order.

Should the Patriots be picking at No. 1 at Lambeau Field in April’s draft, the prospect of selecting Hunter would be hugely appealing. The junior has made unprecedented contributions for the Buffaloes, starting – and starring – on both sides of the ball.

Hunter is in the running to be the No. 1 overall pick

Hunter is in the running to be the No. 1 overall pick ( 

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Getty Images)

As a wide receiver, Hunter has 757 yards and eight touchdowns, including numerous highlight reel catches. And as a cornerback, he has two interceptions and one forced fumble while providing lockdown coverage on opponents’ No. 1 receiver.

Hunter would be a game-changer on both sides of the ball in New England. The Patriots already have a strong option at corner in the form of 2023 first-round pick Christian Gonzalez, but a second lockdown option would give Jerod Mayo’s defense a much-needed identity.

On offense, there is a paucity of skill position players for promising rookie quarterback Drake Maye to work with, and Hunter would represent a significant upgrade.

If Hunter had his way, though, he wants to stay in Colorado with the Denver Broncos. With a 5-4 record, it is highly unlikely Hunter lands in Denver, but he told ‘Kickin’ It With Dee’ he has grown to love the state and its people.

“I want to make an impact on the [Colorado] community,” Hunter said. “They took us in with open arms. My neighbors help me out a lot. Sometimes, I go to away games, and I need somebody to watch my dog. I feel comfortable I can go to my neighbors…

“They watch out for my house. They watch out for everything that’s going on because they know how much I mean to the city, how much I mean to the state. I never feel uncomfortable. I wish I could just go to the Broncos to stay in Colorado because so many people have welcomed us.”