The New England Patriots come into the 2022 offseason feeling good about where things are heading. They have a franchise quarterback in Mac Jones, who was selected with the No. 15 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft and they look set at the position post-Tom Brady.

Now, it is time for them to upgrade the roster around Jones so that he can take the next step in his development. He was an excellent game manager, but if New England wants to return to winning division titles and being Super Bowl contenders, they will need more from him.

The team could also look to bolster some areas on the defensive side of the ball. The Patriots could use a pass-rushing boost and there is a chance their secondary will require some help as well; it all depends on how free agency shakes out.

Knowing what the team needs right now, here are four prospects that New England should target with the No. 21 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.

4. EDGE Boye Mafe, Minnesota

The Patriots did a great job upgrading their pass rush last offseason when they signed Matt Judon away from the Baltimore Ravens. He hit a bit of a hiccup following being sidelined for COVID-19, but the Patriots have to be happy with what he brought to the table in his first season.

Judon racked up 12.5 sacks but the next closest Patriot was Kyle Van Noy with only five. They need some more pass rushers and they could use the 21st pick to select someone moving up draft boards quickly in Boye Mafe.

Mafe was one of the standouts of the Senior Bowl, as he registered the highest pass-rushing grade among edge-defenders there. He got better every season with the Golden Gophers, finishing 2021 with 10 tackles for loss and seven sacks.

Starting out as a rotational piece, Mofe has big-time potential once he gains some more experience as his get-off is second to none in this year’s draft class.

3. WR Chris Olave, Ohio State

Adding weapons to the passing game is something the Patriots are going to look to do all offseason. Whether it is in free agency, a trade or via the NFL Draft, they will be on the lookout for someone that can help elevate this offense.

If they come on the clock at No. 21 and Chris Olave is there, he could pique their interest. Olave is a burner, as he was a track star in high school. His speed makes him a downfield threat, which opponents have to respect otherwise he will blow right by them.

He uses that to his advantage because he is much more than a one-trick pony as a burner. He brings a lot more than that to the table as he is one of the smoothest route runners in college football as well.

We may not have even seen the best of Olave in college as he shared the field with fellow expected first-round pick Garrett Wilson and Jaxon Smith-Njigba

2. CB Andrew Booth Jr., Clemson

Cornerback could emerge as a huge need for the Patriots this offseason. They traded away Stephon Gilmore to the Carolina Panthers during the 2021 season and were comfortable doing that because they knew they had another No. 1 cornerback in J.C. Jackson.

However, Jackson is now hitting free agency himself. If New England cannot bring him back, their secondary is going to be in a lot of trouble. He is a premier cornerback in this league and helps keep the secondary in order.

Whether or not Jackson moves on, cornerback is a position the team could target with their first-round pick. Andrew Booth Jr. is someone that they could consider. He was a full-time starter for the first time in 2021 and more than held his own, holding opponents to 29 catches on 43 targets, surrendering 312 yards.

1. WR Jameson Williams, Alabama 

Using a first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft on Jameson Williams could yield some limited production at the start of the season and his career, but has a chance to be a worthwhile investment. Williams injured his knee during the national championship game and had he made it through unscathed, he likely would be the first receiver off the board in the draft.

But, since his availability could be pushed back until midseason, some teams will move him down the board. If that occurs, New England will take full advantage adding a player, who seemed like a lock for the top-10 before his injury, with the 21st pick.

He is the best deep threat in this year’s draft class despite the knee injury. 2021 was his first season with the Crimson Tide after transferring out of Ohio State and he took full advantage, catching 79 passes for 1,572 yards and 15 touchdowns. 

There have been a lot of photos shared about positional rooms that Alabama has had in the past, but there will certainly be one about that Buckeye quartet at wide receiver that should produce four first-round picks.