New England Patriots: 5 wishes for the 2022 NFL Draft
New England Patriots draft wish list item No. 1: WR Chris Olave, Ohio State
If the New England Patriots select a receiver early, it will probably be John Metchie III in round two. But if new director of player personnel Matt Groh is serious about being proactive when it comes to investing in receivers, then the Patriots should go get Chris Olave. It worked out really well the last time the Patriots drafted a receiver out of Ohio State in the first round (Terry Glenn, seventh overall, 1996).
Olave would be New England’s number one receiver the moment he walks into the locker room. As I’ve said about 100 times, Olave is arguably the best route runner in the year’s draft. With his quickness in and out of breaks, he would be tremendous working out of the slot.
Related Story. 5 receivers the Patriots could take in the NFL Draft. light
But Olave also has deep speed, making him a potential game-breaker on the perimeter. Pairing Olave with Nelson Agholor outside would stress defenses to try and cover both of them down the field. That’s a very difficult assignment for any defense. If a defense can cover the pair, it leaves a lot of room over the middle for the tight ends and the slot receiver.
If the Patriots want Olave, they can’t, “…sit around, wait and hope to get one of these guys in the draft,” as Groh admitted. Olave probably won’t last until the 21st pick, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if some receiver-needy team spends some draft capital to trade up and nab the former Buckeye. Trading up for Olave would be worth it for the Patriots.