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.
Why the New England Patriots must draft Chris Olave, Ohio State
Chris Olave is often mentioned as the best route runner in the draft. That’s a huge plus, as the Patriots passing game is predicated on timing. There shouldn’t be any concern about Olave being in the right place at the right time.
After running a 4.39-second 40, you can add deep threat to Olave’s resume. New England’s passing game sorely lacks a legitimate deep threat. The New England Patriots would had been satisfied with Olave’s route running, but figuring in Olave’s speed and New England’s offense would become scary with the former Buckeye.
Olave didn’t perform the 20-yard shuttle nor the three cone drill, but if you’ve seen his tapes, Olave has nothing to prove in that regard. If the Patriots are to draft Olave, they have to do it early, as he’s projected to go in the first round.
Why the New England Patriots must draft John Metchie III, Alabama
If I’m predicting which receiver the New England Patriots would draft right now, John Metchie would be the one. It’s not just what he brings to the table, it’s that Metchie and Jones dined at the same table.
In Jones’ sole season as Alabama’s starter, he led the Crimson Tide to a national championship. DeVonta Smith was the leading receiver, but Metchie was second with 916 yards and six touchdowns.
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Metchie was also second in yards per reception (16.7) that season, which is another reason why the Patriots should consider making New England Metchie’s new home. That average would had led the Patriots last season.
It’s better than Kendrick Bourne’s 14.5-yard average by more than two yards, which is inflated by a 75-yard touchdown reception against the Dallas Cowboys. Without it, Bourne’s average drops to 13.4 yards per reception.
Metchie can take the top off of a defense, but he’s also a yards after the catch threat. Either way, the Patriots need more explosive plays, which Metchie can produce. He should be available in the second round.
Why the New England Patriots must draft Bo Melton out of Rutgers
Even before Bo Melton arrived at the combine, there were details about him that made Melton New England Patriots material: Rutgers product, projects as a slot receiver, multi-year team captain, contributor as a receiver, runner and returner.
If New England selected Melton based on that alone, it wouldn’t had been a surprise. But his combine performance indicates that Melton won’t be just another slot receiver.
Melton melted the Lucas Oil Stadium turf with a 4.32-second 40, and followed that up with a 6.98-second three cone drill. He has the potential to be nearly uncoverable on short and intermediate routes, and run away from defenses once he has the ball in his hands. In other words, Melton could be a slot monster for the Patriots.
Melton might had improved his stock, but it might not be enough to get into the third round. Expect Melton to be available on day three.
Why the New England Patriots must draft Kaylon Geiger, Texas Tech
There’s some concern about Kaylon Geiger’s build (5’10” 180 pounds) and whether he will hold up. But defenses would have to get a few direct hits on him first.
There might not be a quicker receiver in the draft than Geiger. For two years Geiger made Sun Belt Conference defenses look silly. He took his show to Texas Tech and had a career best 12.2 yards per reception.
The goal would be to just get the ball in Geiger’s hands and let him loose. His ability to make defenders miss is ridiculous. This can be done with screens, hitches, curls and jet sweeps to take advantage of Geiger’s quickness. And it appears he has the speed to break plays wide open.
Surprisingly, for someone with Geiger’s stature, he has the strength and low center of gravity to take hits and still gain yards. He would be worth a day three selection.
Why the New England Patriots must draft Tre Turner, Virginia Tech
Tre Turner barely made the cut because of his inauspicious combine performance. His 7.45 seconds time on the three cone drill was dead last and his 4.53 seconds on the 20-yard shuttle was third from last. What saved Turner was his 4.51-second 40. So the good news is he has acceptable speed, but is slow out of his breaks.
So the chances of Turner burning his defender and getting wide open aren’t very good, but if the ball still comes his way, Turner still has a great chance at catching the ball.
Simply put, Turner could be what N’Keal Harry should had been because Turner is very good at making difficult catches. He could have a corner draped all over his back, know he’s about to get hit, or can only get one hand on the ball. Turner often still makes the catch. Even on jump balls, Turner often comes down with the pigskin, despite his disappointing 27” vertical.
Turner’s future probably isn’t a go-to receiver, but when the offense needs a play, Turner could be the guy Jones goes to in critical situations. Turner’s skills could be most valuable in the red zone. If the New England Patriots were to take a chance on Turner, he should be available on day three.