Patriots 2022 Draft Profile, WR, Jameson Williams, Alabama

As the 2022 NFL Draft draws closer we’ll profile some of the players that may be on the Patriots’ radar or that we feel would be a great fit.

The Patriots have several holes to fill in building their roster for the 2022 season. Despite the handwringing by many in the first two or three days of free agency, building “a team” and not just a collection of talented names takes time and patience. However, I digress here. One of those positions that could use some help is at wide receiver.

Last season, the team added Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne in free agency. Coupled with the additions at tight end with Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry and the drafting of QB Mac Jones and Rhamondre Stevenson, there were a lot of new parts for the offense to find roles for.

All of these players should be better in Year 2 as they perfect their roles in the offense as it changes and develops. But even with RFA Jakobi Meyers returning with a new contract, the team could use some additional help at wide receiver. While many (once again) are calling for “Mac to have a #1 WR”, what exactly does that mean? Other than a couple of years with Randy Moss, the Patriots #1s ran through the slot. Troy Brown, Wes Welker, and Julian Edelman.

In my opinion, the speedy slot WR is what the team really needs to take the passing game to the next level. However, if the team is really looking for a difference-maker on the perimeter, especially considering how disappointing N’Keal Harry has been, then with some patience, an Alabama WR (there are two) could be the answer to their needs.

Jameson Williams. from Alabama could be a great 1st Round addition to the Patriots draft if he slips to #21 and the team is patient enough to wait for him to get healthy. He tore his ACL in the National Championship Game and probably won’t be ready to start the season.

Williams was at Ohio State but entered the transfer portal and exploded on the scene at Alabama. He caught 79 passes for 1572 yards with 15 TDs in 2021. He was a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award as well as being a dynamic kick returner with 10 returns for 352 yards (35.2 yard average) including two TDs.

Pros:

– Has the speed to blow by defenders, if given an inch cushion, he’ll take it to the house

– Tremendous top-end speed, 11 touchdowns of 30+ yards in 2021

– Excellent catch radius and great hands to stab the ball out of the air

– Can be a dangerous kick returner

Cons

– Lanky, and not overly strong

– Gets tied up at times with press coverage

– ACL tear will probably have him factor little if at all in 2022

What his Role Will Be:

Williams is a classic burner who can turn a 2-yard slant into 30+ yard receptions. He’d be outstanding out of the slot in motion or bunch formations where he’d get a free release.

Will His Role Change from Year 1-to-2?

Yes, he should be the team’s #1 wide receiver by 2023

How Many Downs Can He Play?

Four

What Current Player on the Roster Will He Replace?

N’Keal Harry

What is his ST Value?

Excellent as a kick returner and gunner

Conclusion:

Williams got some tremendous praise from NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah who had this to say about his prospects in the NFL:

“Williams is a tall, lean, and explosive wideout. Everything he does on the field is sudden and fast. He explodes off the line in his release; just when you think he’s reached top speed, he taps into a gear that very few possess.

“He turns quick-hitters into long touchdowns and climbs on top of coverage in every game viewed. He is at his best on runaway routes, but flashes the ability to efficiently get in and out of breaks. His hands are inconsistent, though. He lets too many balls get into his body and that results in drops.

“After the catch, Williams destroys pursuit angles with his speed. His production as a gunner on the punt team speaks to his competitiveness. He suffered a torn ACL in the College Football Playoff National Championship, but once healthy, Williams could emerge as one of the premier deep threats in the NFL.”

___________

Williams is a big play waiting to happen with elite play speed and separation quickness. He displays a top-end speed that will threaten defenses, His YAC (yards after catch) will be superior to anything the team has had in a long time. But he has the excellent ability to track and adjust while the ball is in the air and the versatility to play outside, in the slot, and on special teams.

Once again, if the team is patient and he falls to #21, he is a game-changer.

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About Steve Balestrieri

A former US Army Special Forces NCO and Officer, Steve has been following the Patriots since their days at Fenway Park. Steve has worked in the film industry and wrote as an Military Editor at SpecialOperations.com, 1945.com as a reporter for the Millbury Daily Voice, Millbury-Sutton Chronicle, and the Grafton News. He's also a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)

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