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

2. Drake London, USC

If Wilson isn’t someone that the New England Patriots would look at based on his stature, then there’s still a player who makes a ton of sense in the first round. USC’s Drake London has the skill set to be a dynamic playmaker in the 2022 NFL Draft class.

London operated a ton out of the slot in 2020, and heading into 2021, analysts wanted to see how he’d fare on the outside. It wasn’t really about how he would deal with press or bigger corners (he’s 6’5″, 210 pounds), but how the movement skills he had could translate into a more fully-developed route tree.

Obviously, the talk surrounding London’s play in 2021 was how dominant he was in contested catch situations. That may turn some off to London as a prospect if that’s where he dominates, but when the tape goes on, there’s much more.

London’s movement skills are extremely impressive for a player of his size. He’s fluid enough to separate on square ins/outs and dig routes. He’s even flashed some double move work. Obviously, his dominance at the catch point is great, but so is his contact balance, toughness, and feel after the catch. Drake London would be a great WR1 for the Patriots and could succeed with quick touches in the passing game as well as red zone targets.