5 NFL wide receiver prospects New England Patriots must draft

Before testing at the NFL Combine even started, it was reported that the New England Patriots were scheduled to interview a handful of the top receivers in the 2022 NFL Draft class.

Hopefully this isn’t just talk and the Patriots show urgency and nab one early, or maybe even draft two.

The combine was the latest opportunity for these players to make their case. Some players made money after all the testing and interviews, while others need to recover with better performances at pro days and personal workouts.

The timing couldn’t be better for the New England Patriots to draft a receiver

In the latter group is Purdue’s David Bell. Before the combine he looked like a prospect that could help New England right away. Bell wasn’t a deep threat for the Boilermakers, but he showed good hands and had the ability to be a playmaker at the short and intermediate levels.

But a 4.65-second 40-yard dash and finishing dead last in the 20-yard shuttle (4.57 seconds) really puts into question his ability to excel at the next level. Previously projected as a second round pick, Bell could slip as far as day three. For what the Patriots need, Bell isn’t the fit I thought he could be.

While Bell disappointed, the good news is someone else put himself on the radar. At least one of these receivers should become a target for Mac Jones in the fall.