I think they need to hit on the 1st round pick. I think he's the only player that would have gone top 10 in 2024 that is in 2025.
The question mark on all the other possible picks are so much higher and much more chance of busting.
I think your idea is great in a 2024 draft but if you pick up a second in 2025 it is like a 3rd or 4th in 2024, only 25% at best of hitting on that this year based on history. And now you've lowered your odds on the first pick from 90% to 50%.
The only pass rusher maybe you could get is Abdul Carter, in a list of mocks he's projected to go by pick 5 in the majority (tho some have him after pick 15, again, question marks with all these guys).
You can't trade down past 5 if you want him. Banks or Campbell you MIGHT get going down to 10 but Campbell is looked at as a guard though is probably the next safest pick after Hunter but ONLY IF you play him at guard.
Banks is a middling 1st round pick talent, you'd be over drafting because of the draft class and need.
OR, just take the guy that is 90% sure to be good, and hopefully great. If your need is WR you play him there and spot him in at CB.
If you sign Higgins maybe you can use him as the starting #2 corner and spot him at WR. #2 corner is a need and he's a playmaker that will get you some turnovers.
Team needs elite talent.
Yes, it does need elite talent. But we need elite talent in key areas. A #2 CB is not a place where you need elite talent. If you get elite talent, it is great. But is a luxury. And even elite CBs get burned if they have to cover to an extended period of time. I would rather draft a pass rusher.
But if the Pats have Gonzalez lock up on the other team's best receiver all game, do you really need an elite CB to lock up on the second best receiver if you are not playing a team like the Eagles, Miami, Rams, etc. that have two top WR? Isn't that a bit of waste when this team has so many other needs? I mean do we need an elite WR to lock in on Keon Coleman when they play the Bills or Allan Lazard with the Jets? The Pats play the Cards this weekend, do they need an elite CB to take out Michael Wilson?
If Gonzalez continues to progress, the Pats will be able to leave him alone on an island more allowing them to throw more protection to the other side of the field. And that would make it even less necessary for the Pats to have two elite CBs.
If the Pats draft Hunter at #3 to play CB, they have to trade Gonzalez. Having two elite CBs is a waste.
Successful drafting in the first round always has to be a combination of need and best player available unless your team is stacked.
Think about it. Say the Pats were drafting 27th and the best player available by far was a CB. This player had a real chance to be a consistent first team Pro Bowl CB (but not consistent All Pro caliber) and the rest of the players available are far less likely. If the Pats drafted him, you would be pissed. Even though he was the best player available by a lot, it isn't a position of need. You guys are falling in love with the player without taking this team's need into account.
Again, if they are taking Hunter for a WR and sometimes CB, it is different. But the Pats do not need two elite CBs. In fact, it is a waste.