Mel Kiper’s latest mock feels like best-case scenario for Patriots

The New England Patriots don’t appear to have any interest in finding Mac Jones another weapon in free agency. It’s a shame given all the high-end talents that were available, but it seems like Bill Belichick and Co. are prepared to use their limited cap space as an excuse to not spend top-of-the-market money.

While there are plenty of intriguing names left – like Odell Beckham Jr., Julio Jones and Jarvis Landry, to name a few – we get the sense the Patriots will cheap out and turn to the draft to add a receiver.

It seems like Mel Kiper is in lockstep with that opinion, because the ESPN draft expert’s latest mock has New England gifting Jones with Jameson Williams, one of the most intriguing WR prospects in this year’s loaded class.

Given the Patriots’ need to add a receiver who can take the top off of opposing defenses, pairing Williams with Jones feels like a best-case scenario for Belichick’s squad.

Mel Kiper’s latest mock sees the Patriots gift Mac Jones with star Alabama receiver Jameson Williams.

Here’s what Kiper had to say about the pick.

"(Williams) said at the combine that he’s ahead of his schedule in his recovery, but it’s possible he misses a chunk of the season while rehabbing. New England could afford to wait for a receiver with true No. 1 upside who could be a star for years to come. And we know Belichick has a history of taking Alabama stars."

For anyone wondering, no, Jones and Williams weren’t teammates in Tuscaloosa. Williams spent his first two years at Ohio State before he transferred to Alabama ahead of his junior season in 2021.

Before tearing his ACL in the College Football Playoff National Championship game, Williams put up mind-boggling numbers for the Crimson Tide. In 15 games, the former Buckeye compiled 79 catches for 1,572 yards and 15 touchdowns.

To put those stats into perspective, Williams finished fifth in the country in receiving yards, tied for the second-most total touchdowns and his 19.9 yards per reception ranked first among receivers who tallied at least 60 catches.

https://twitter.com/DiehardsAlabama/status/1507772322605850628

If not for his ACL injury, there’s reason to believe Williams would be the top-ranked receiver heading into the draft. In fact, Kiper had him as the best draft-eligible WR prior to the injury in his prospect rankings.

Even more encouraging? At the start of March, doctors told Williams he was ahead of schedule in his recovery, so that should alleviate any concerns about a potential setback or prolonged rehab.

With the likes of Drake London, Garrett Wilson and potentially Chris Olave all candidates to be off the board before No. 21 overall, Williams could fall into the Patriots lap in the first round next month.

Should that happen, fans would feel A LOT better about the team’s receiving corps entering Jones’ sophomore season.

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