Let’s agree to disagree on where he ranks as a pure wide receiver in this draft.
Let me ask this, why is it Hunter came into the combine listed as a CB? Why not as a WR? Safe to assume this was debated extensively by his team and they came to the conclusion to list him as a CB rather than a WR. But why? Currently, 10 different wide receivers have contracts at or exceeding $90 million in total value. Whereas, cornerbacks claim half that number, with only one over $100 million, as compared to seven receivers who are over the 100 million threshold. Clearly it’s beneficial financially to play the wide receiver position. And IF as you claim, he’s the hands down top wide receiver in this draft, why list yourself as a CB? You can say I’m looking to far into this and it’s insignificant, but it’s obviously a factor in future earnings. I think we all agree he isn’t going to play both sides of the ball full time in the NFL.
I’ll reiterate, I think he’s a great athlete. I think he’s a very good pick in the top 5 for SOME teams. The Patriots have Christian Gonzalez at corner on his rookie deal. They just signed Davis to a lucrative contract to play opposite Gonzalez. The obvious two big needs here in Foxboro are left tackle and wide receiver. At 4th overall is taking the cornerback/ sometimes wide receiver the smart play? IMO if Carter isn’t there I’d look to trade back (no later than 8-9). I think the Pats would find some teams desperate for a top CB.
The patriots don’t need a “unicorn”, they need a stud wide receiver and franchise left tackle.
I think that's a pretty reasonable take. I'd be very happy with Hunter at #4 though because of his talent and let the future take care of itself of where he slots in.