5 wide receivers New England Patriots could take in the 2022 NFL Draft
New England Patriots draft target No. 1: Jameson Williams
Going back to Alabama again, Jameson Williams probably would have been the top wide receiver prospect in this draft class if he didn’t tear his ACL in the National Championship Game. Now he’s a huge question mark who could end up falling to New England at No. 21 in the first round. And if he is available when New England is picking for the first time, it’s going to be tough to pass up on the opportunity to nab him.
After a fairly anonymous two season stint with Ohio State, Williams made the jump to Alabama and flourished. He was an absolute beast for the Crimson Tide (79 REC, 1572, 15 TD), and his ACL injury is a big reason Alabama would lose the National Championship Game. It also couldn’t have come at a worse time for Williams.
Williams claim to fame is his speed. He has ridiculous acceleration, which helps him get open on a whim, and he is extremely elusive when he has the ball in his hands. He’s tough to catch, and then you get to him all he does is pull one move and then you have to catch him again. It’s a lot easier said than done. Combine that with elite hands, and you have the makings of one of the best deep threats in the league.
The problem is obviously Williams ACL injury. How much of an impact will it have on his game, particualrly his speed? Williams isn’t exactly a stocky receiver, and if he’s not creating seperation off the line with his impressive footwork, he will struggle to get open like he did in college.
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Drafting Williams may be a bit of a risk, but his upside is huge. Prior to the National Championship Game, he looked like a surefire top five pick, so the fact that he may fall to New England at No. 21 would be a massive win. The New England Patriots may have bigger needs elsewhere, but if Williams is still around when they pick in the first round, there’s almost no way you can pass up on him.