The Pick Is In - Potential Draft Fits For New England’s First Rounder
Kent Gidley
As the NFL Offseason continues, free agents and traded players are being signed almost daily. The Patriots have been on the lower end of movement so far, with many fans even directing questions towards GM Bill Belichick. This year’s draft, like others, is filled with talent and potential great fits for New England, and with if the shoe fits, could bring players that will help the Patriots to making another playoff run.
The Patriots hold the No. 21, 54, 85, 127, 170, 200, and 210 overall picks, and could do damage with these if chosen correctly to address the glaring issues the team has. Here are some potential fits for that first round choice to set the tone for the rest of the draft:
WR Jameson Williams, Alabama
AP Photos | John Bazemore
The star receiver from the Crimson Tide. Williams was the lead wideout this past year with the National Champion runner-ups, and I believe his speed and catching abilities would fit perfectly in a Patriots offense that is in need of exactly that. Aside from Heisman winner Bryce Young leading the offense at the quarterback position, Williams did more than his job also leading the Alabama offense to become one of the country’s premier systems. This past year with the Tide, Williams finished with an astounding 1,572 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns. At the NFL Combine, he posted an unbelievable 4.25 40 yard dash time, and showed out in other drills as well. His tape from Alabama showed his versatility and ability to get vertical downfield, something the Patriots could use to their advantage as they develop QB Mac Jones, also an Alabama alumnus. Another thing to note too, Bill Belichick has a history with Alabama prospects and its program in general, so this would be a fit right up his own alley as well.
LB Devin Lloyd, Utah
Shafkat Anowar | Deseret News
The star linebacker Ute showed out this past season leading the defense as a captain. He added 111 tackles, 8 sacks, and 4 interceptions to his resume in his final year at Utah, and even added two defensive scores as the cherry on top. At this year’s combine, Lloyd posted an impressive 4.66 second 40 time, and a 35 inch vertical, to name a couple highlights. His speed and physicality is what sets him apart from others, and his playmaking abilities in the middle of the field make him one of the best overall prospects in this year’s draft. The Patriots are in dire need for physicality and quickness at the linebacker position and in the middle of the field, with eagerness being low on the defensive side. Lloyd brings a lot of speed and versatility, and if he is still available at number 21 he would be a great addition to New England’s squad.
WR Chris Olave, Ohio State
Mike Mulholland | Getty Images
Another wide receiver standout, this time from Ohio State, Chris Olave is a very realistic choice coming in as a top five overall receiver prospect in this year’s draft class. Ohio State’s offense in 2021 was highlighted by Olave’s playmaking and succeeded because of his production. He caught 65 balls for 936 receiving yards, along with 13 touchdowns. What sets Olave apart from other receiver prospects is his precise route running and overall production. He doesn’t necessarily have a single trait that stands out from others, but a group of traits that work together to create an overall great football player. This type of player is someone the Patriots are known to have brought in before. His 4.39 40 time fits the need of speed in the Patriots offense, and his playmaking abilities make him a choice that the Patriots front office should definitely consider if he makes it to number 21.
