Robert Kraft's ruthless Patriots decision makes sense as main draft target emerges

Robert Kraft's decision to fire Jerod Mayo after the 2024 NFL regular season stemmed from the New England Patriots missing out on the opportunity to draft Travis Hunter outright.

In the final game of the 2024 season, with the No.

1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on the line, the Patriots inexplicably defeated the Buffalo Bills, 23-16.

Instead of getting Hunter, Colorado's two-way star, the Patriots were given the No.

4 pick, behind the Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, and New York Giants, respectively.

Shortly after missing out on the No.

1 pick, Kraft fired Mayo .

Months after the decision, it is clear why the Patriots owner quickly dismissed the coach after potentially missing out on a generational talent like Hunter.

Those who have communicated with the Patriots and those around the organization have come away with a similar understanding that the franchise was enamored by Hunter's two-way ability as the star could have answered some of New England's offensive and defensive issues, according to Mass Live .

With Hunter more than likely gone by the time the Patriots are on the board, New England will have to be creative with how it fills out the roster under new head coach Mike Vrabel .

For now, Kraft's reason for firing Mayo is clearer than ever, despite the 83-year-old claiming it was because the team regressed.

Despite how the situation turned out for Mayo and the Patriots, Kraft took responsibility for how the saga played out.

"This whole situation is on me.

I feel terrible for Jerod because I put him in an untenable situation," Kraft said, according to NFL.com.

"I know that he has all the tools as a head coach to be successful in this league.

He just needed more time before taking the job.

In the end, I'm a fan of this team first, and now, I have to go out and find a coach who can get us back to the playoffs and hopefully championships." He added: "This whole situation evolved.

But I'd say over the last month I went back and forth.

I don't know, in my life and my business I make certain decisions I know when it's right, and it just happened.

It was very hard because (of) the personal relationship.

I feel for Jerod, and the human being he is.

I felt guilty I put him in that position, but we're moving on." With the Patriots potentially missing out on Hunter, Vrabel revealed that New England is looking at all possible options in the draft.

"This is the highest that I've picked and been a part of, you know, so having a quarterback, have to look at the premier players," he said .

"And then obviously, you know, if somebody wants to come up for a player and we feel like it's a good value for us, I think we're going to have to look at every option.".

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