For the fifth consecutive season, the Patriots are in a perfect position to boost their lackluster reception corps with a first-round pick.
Of course, the odds are against it.
N’Keal Harry is the only famous wide receiver that Bates drafted in the first round under Bill Belichick. Set as a pro.
Harry’s lack of development was factored into the front office by adding two freshmen via free agency last spring. Now with Harry, Nelson Agulor and Jacoby Myers now likely heading into contract seasons (assuming Harry’s fifth-year option has been turned down and Myers cast as a restricted free agent), the Patriots must renew their receiver depth once again for the present and future. So if they drafted another first manager, who would it be?
At this point in the process, Ohio State’s Jarrett Wilson and University of Southern California’s Drake London are expected to be out of the plate at number 21. They are widely seen as the two best performers in this category, or at worst two out of the top four. Up to six receivers are expected to be drafted in the first round.
As for the other four, these are the names to know.
Trillon Borks, Arkansas
Burks’ relegation to 21st overall would be a mild surprise, considering his rare sporting gear and insane production of a heavy attack in the SEC. The Burks totaled over 1,100 yards and 11 touchdowns, plus 112 yards were rushed by another lead. He showed steady improvement throughout his college career, increasing his yards by nearly 400 yards each season.
In the past year, the Razorbacks have wisely deployed Burks throughout the lineup: wide, in the slot, and occasionally as a Wildcat player leader. At 6 feet 3, 225 pounds, Birx is an intervention breaker with added body control that can develop into a Pro Bowler with proper training.
Jameson Williams, Alabama
While Williams didn’t play Mac Jones in college (having moved from Ohio State in 2021), he could nonetheless form a dynamic duo with Jones in the NFL.
He melts the 6-foot-2 and 189-pounder defenses with his deep speed and terrifies them as a threat from one run after another in the open field. Williams is suddenly off the streak and flows in and out of breaks. He’s been described as a deep, refined threat that can change the way defenses approach Bates.
An ACL tear and lack of playing power are the only serious question marks in his Scouting Report. Williams also re-kicked two for the touchdown and served as a defender on the Alabama Special Teams, showing the competitiveness and first-team attitude that the Patriots are sure to impress.
Chris Olaf, Ohio State
Olave is one of the most intelligent contestants in the 2022 class. He has been consistently productive in Ohio State, with the Buckeyes annually fielding one of the best receiving teams in college football. He had 65 passes for 936 yards and 13 touchdowns last year, his third consecutive season with no fewer than 49 passes.
In addition to his deep speed, Olaf’s sure hands and experience in a diverse road tree should attract scouts. At 6 feet 1,188 pounds, he’s a little wired and distinctly lacking an Elite II trait, but if the Bates wanted an instant contributor, Olaf might as well.
Jahan Dotson, Pennsylvania
Mathematically speaking, the Dotson is as good a receiver as it is on the Draft.
He can win off the line quickly, over the middle by piercing his wounds and superimposing his drag speed. It is non-stop smooth. Not to mention the control of the body. Dotson’s signature reel stacks with just about any other receiver in the class, and a mix of acrobatic side shots and full-grab takeovers for off-target throws.
If Dotson posts a time of less than 7 seconds on the 3-cone drill, confirming the elite speed he shows on the bar, look for it to be a popular choice for Patriots in mock drafts. Questions remain about his ability to withstand press coverage and he may never grow from being an accomplished player. But if the Patriots feel he can mature and answer these questions, he might be the future of the next stellar aperture.
Possible targets if the Patriots trade down: John Mitchell III in Alabama, Galen Tolbert in South Alabama.
