I can understand not buying in on Sanders but I think the buzz around Hunter is 100% deserved. Nobody does what he did in college. Just doesn't happen. Closest maybe Charles Woodson at Michigan and even then his WR role was extremely limited.
I think Hunter is legit. He’s been playing both ways full time all season. Logic would dictate that once he stops that and concentrates on one position, whether that’s WR or CB, he will improve at that position.
Also, his build right now is more of a “long distance runner” because he is playing so many downs. Scouting reports say he has broad shoulders and a long wingspan. That means he should be able to add weight and build a more explosive physique. I think he would mean more to the Patriots playing WR, even if some think he’s a better DB right now.
All that said, I think the best way to go for the Patriots is to secure the 1st pick, and hope that QB needy teams will be willing to move up to take one of Ward or Sanders. Theoretically, they could deal down to 3 and still take Hunter. More likely, you deal down with the Giants or Raiders, get their pick, a 2nd this year and a 2026 1st (maybe even a roster player like TE Mayer). Depending on what happens in free agency, they may be able to take the BPA, whether that’s WR, OT, or Edge/LB.