5 Players Who Could Be The New England Patriots WR1 in 2022

1. Garrett Wilson, Ohio State

Could the New England Patriots really draft a receiver in the first round? As much as the horrors of drafting N’Keal Harry might work their way back to fans, it’s hard to imagine anyone the Patriots would target in the first round would have a similar profile to Harry (as in, someone who cannot separate as a route runner and struggled with physicality).

The size may be concerning to some, but Garrett Wilson is an excellent receiver in all three phases. Pre-catch, Wilson has an impressive release game, highlighted by the slippery lateral quickness he possesses to avoid corners in press coverage. He works up the field quickly into his stem, and does great work attacking blind spots and staying efficient through and exploding out of his break transitions.

Wilson is a better player at the catch point than many would believe. He has aggressive and arrogant hands, plucking the football out of the air with ease. Wilson attacks the football in the air with good explosion and high-pointing ability, and secures the football quickly and well while handling contact. After the catch, he’s slippery with good lateral movement skills and field vision.

In a Patriots offense that relies on timing, Wilson can be the three-level separator the Patriots need and can thrive inside and outside working option routes. He could gel quickly with Jones.