Patriots Mock Draft: 5 first-round targets for New England

The WR1 race is still far from being settled. Ohio State has two separate competitors for that award in Olave and Garrett Wilson, though Arkansas’ Treylon Burks and USC’s Drake London can’t be discounted. Specifically for New England, however, Olave might be the best in terms of the schematic fit.

Olave, who has almost identical stats when compared to Wilson and standout underclassman Jaxon Smith-Njigba, is a premier deep threat, and he might be the best such player in all of college football. The speed, smooth route-running, and soft hands make him look like a truly elite receiver in the making.

Chris Olave would be an ideal target for Mac Jones.

While Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith were signed to be Jones’ top targets this season, Belichick needs to get him a receiver he can trust with more long-term potential than someone like Nelson Agholor, and Olave fits the bill.

Some Patriots fans might be spooked by the recent failure of N’Keal Harry and Belichick’s history of bungling wide receiver selections, but they’ve rarely had a pick this high in the Belichick era, and Olave’s ability to get separation makes him look like someone that could become one of Jones’ favorite targets instantly.

Patriots: 3 draft picks that prove Bill Belichick is still king

New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick remains the king until someone takes his crown away, and three of his selections over the last few days prove it.