The 2022 NFL Draft is right around the corner. Let’s take a look at what the New England Patriots might do early in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Check out Andrew Erickson’s Historical NFL Draft Picks of All 32 NFL Teams. Here’s his take on the Patriots:
Bill Belichick has been the Patriots’ stand-in GM since being hired in 2000. This draft will be the 13th time the Patriots hold a 1st-round pick outside the top-20. Historically speaking, it’s been a near split in terms of offense or defense selected with these second-half first-round picks.
However, the most common position selected has been defensive tackle – with three selections since 2004. They have also drafted running back (cringe), offensive line, and defensive back twice in this spot.
New England filled the majority of its team needs with aggressive spending in free agency in 2021, so they are in a position to take the highest player on the board available at No. 21.
Many will harp on the Patriots to take a wide receiver in Round 1, but it’s just not in Bill Belichick’s DNA to pay up at that position. And when he has, it’s never panned out: i.e., N’Keal Harry, Chad Jackson, Aaron Dobson.
Regardless, they need to surround Mac Jones with weapons. After losing Ted Karras and Shaq Mason, the interior offensive line also needs some love.
Their defense desperately needs speed, especially at the linebacker position. Last year’s unit looked like they were playing underwater at times. Patriots linebacker coach Jerod Mayo spoke on a local Patriots radio station that, “the team is looking to get faster, more explosive and put more playmakers on the field.”
The secondary is also in play. New England is currently running it back with guys way past their prime in Malcolm Butler and Devin McCourty.
New England Patriots 2022 NFL Draft Needs
- Team Needs: WR, LB, OL, EDGE, CB
Check out Erickson’s 2022 NFL Draft Needs for all 32 teams.
Matthew Freedman shares his projected first-round selection for the Patriots:
21. New England Patriots: Trent McDuffie (CB – Washington)
The Patriots have lost cornerbacks Stephon Gilmore (release) and J.C. Jackson (free agency) over the past year, so they are thin at the position. McDuffie is a consensus first-rounder and true junior with three years of starting experience in the Pac-12.
Here’s Freedman’s full first-round mock draft with notes on each pick.
Freedman also provides Round 2 and 3 projected picks for New England:
- Round 2 – Pick 22 (No. 54 Overall) Jamaree Salyer (Georgia – OL)
- Round 3 – Pick 21 (No. 85 Overall) Darrian Beavers (Cincinnati – LB)
Find Freedman’s 2022 NFL Mock Draft for Round 1 through 3 here.
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