Patriots 2022 Draft: Who They Picked & What To Expect

The New England Patriots entered the 2022 NFL Draft with a clear mission: to bolster their roster and address key needs on both sides of the ball. With a combination of strategic selections and a few surprising moves, the Patriots aimed to set the stage for a competitive season. Let's dive deep into each of their picks, analyzing the potential impact and long-term prospects of these new additions to the team. Securing impactful talent through the draft is crucial for sustained success in the NFL, and the Patriots' 2022 draft class was no exception. The team focused on adding players who could contribute immediately while also possessing the potential to develop into key contributors down the road. This approach reflects a balanced strategy of addressing immediate needs while building for the future.

Round 1, Pick 29: Cole Strange, Guard, Chattanooga

The Patriots' first-round selection of Cole Strange raised eyebrows across the league. While Strange was a highly regarded interior offensive lineman, many analysts projected him as a Day 2 or Day 3 pick. However, Bill Belichick and the Patriots' brain trust clearly saw something special in Strange's skill set and potential fit within their offensive scheme. Cole Strange brings a combination of athleticism, toughness, and versatility to the Patriots' offensive line. His ability to play both guard and center provides valuable flexibility, and his physicality in the run game should be a welcome addition to the Patriots' rushing attack. While the selection may have been considered a reach by some, the Patriots have a track record of identifying and developing talent that others may overlook. Strange's work ethic and coachability will be key factors in his development, and the Patriots' coaching staff will undoubtedly work closely with him to refine his technique and maximize his potential. Despite the initial surprise, Cole Strange has the opportunity to prove his worth and become a valuable contributor to the Patriots' offensive line for years to come. The Patriots clearly valued his traits and believe he can develop into a key player. He is expected to compete for a starting role immediately and contribute to both the running and passing game. This pick underscores the Patriots' confidence in their evaluation process and their willingness to buck conventional wisdom when they identify a player they believe in.

Round 2, Pick 50: Tyquan Thornton, Wide Receiver, Baylor

With their second-round pick, the Patriots selected Tyquan Thornton, a blazing-fast wide receiver from Baylor. Thornton's elite speed and ability to stretch the field vertically made him an intriguing prospect, and the Patriots clearly saw him as a potential weapon in their passing game. Tyquan Thornton brings a much-needed element of speed to the Patriots' receiving corps. His ability to run deep routes and create separation should open up opportunities for the Patriots' quarterbacks and create more space for other receivers underneath. While Thornton's slender frame and lack of experience against press coverage are areas for improvement, his raw speed and potential upside are undeniable. The Patriots have a history of developing wide receivers, and they will need to work closely with Thornton to refine his route running, improve his hands, and increase his physicality. If he can develop those aspects of his game, Thornton has the potential to become a dynamic playmaker for the Patriots' offense. His speed will force defenses to respect the deep threat, creating opportunities for other receivers and the running game. The Patriots are betting on Thornton's potential to develop into a key contributor, and his work ethic and willingness to learn will be crucial to his success. This pick addresses a clear need for speed and explosiveness in the Patriots' offense, and Thornton's development will be a key storyline to watch in the coming seasons.

Round 3, Pick 85: Marcus Jones, Cornerback, Houston

In the third round, the Patriots added Marcus Jones, a dynamic cornerback and return specialist from Houston. Jones is known for his exceptional athleticism, ball skills, and ability to make game-changing plays in the return game. Marcus Jones brings a versatile skill set to the Patriots' defense and special teams. His ability to play both cornerback and return specialist provides valuable depth and flexibility, and his explosiveness and playmaking ability make him a threat to score every time he touches the ball. While Jones' size may be a concern for some, his athleticism and tenacity make him a formidable defender, particularly in the slot. The Patriots have a long history of valuing special teams play, and Jones' ability to contribute as a returner should make him an immediate asset. His coverage skills and instincts will also be valuable on defense, and he has the potential to develop into a starting cornerback. The Patriots are betting on Jones' athleticism and versatility to make an impact on both defense and special teams, and his work ethic and willingness to compete will be key factors in his development. This pick reflects the Patriots' commitment to special teams excellence and their ability to identify and develop players with unique skill sets.

Round 4, Pick 121: Jack Jones, Cornerback, Arizona State

With their first of two fourth-round picks, the Patriots selected Jack Jones, a cornerback from Arizona State. Jones is known for his ball-hawking skills and aggressive style of play. Jack Jones brings a ball-hawking mentality and aggressive style of play to the Patriots' secondary. His ability to create turnovers and disrupt passing lanes should be a welcome addition to the Patriots' defense. While Jones has faced some off-field issues in the past, the Patriots clearly believe in his talent and potential. His coverage skills and instincts make him a promising prospect, and he has the potential to develop into a valuable contributor in the Patriots' defensive backfield. The Patriots will need to work closely with Jones to ensure that he stays focused and committed to his craft. If he can stay on the right track, Jones has the potential to become a playmaker for the Patriots' defense. This pick reflects the Patriots' willingness to take risks on players with talent and potential, and their belief in their ability to mentor and develop young players.

Round 4, Pick 127: Pierre Strong Jr., Running Back, South Dakota State

Later in the fourth round, the Patriots picked Pierre Strong Jr., a running back from South Dakota State. Strong is known for his speed and explosiveness. Pierre Strong Jr. brings game-breaking speed to the Patriots' backfield. His ability to hit home runs and make defenders miss in the open field should add another dimension to the Patriots' rushing attack. While Strong's size and experience against top-level competition may be concerns, his raw talent and potential are undeniable. The Patriots have a history of developing running backs, and they will need to work closely with Strong to refine his technique and improve his pass-catching skills. If he can develop those aspects of his game, Strong has the potential to become a valuable contributor to the Patriots' offense. His speed will force defenses to respect the run, creating opportunities for the passing game. The Patriots are betting on Strong's potential to develop into a dynamic playmaker, and his work ethic and willingness to learn will be crucial to his success. This pick reflects the Patriots' commitment to adding speed and explosiveness to their offense, and their belief in their ability to develop running backs.

Round 6, Pick 183: Bailey Zappe, Quarterback, Western Kentucky

In the sixth round, the Patriots selected Bailey Zappe, a quarterback from Western Kentucky. Zappe set numerous passing records in college. Bailey Zappe brings a record-breaking passing pedigree to the Patriots' quarterback room. His ability to throw the ball accurately and make quick decisions should make him a valuable asset as a backup and potential future starter. While Zappe's arm strength and mobility may be concerns, his intelligence and accuracy are undeniable. The Patriots have a history of developing quarterbacks, and they will need to work closely with Zappe to refine his technique and improve his decision-making under pressure. If he can develop those aspects of his game, Zappe has the potential to become a reliable backup and potentially even a starter in the NFL. The Patriots are betting on Zappe's intelligence and accuracy to make him a valuable asset, and his work ethic and willingness to learn will be crucial to his success. This pick provides valuable depth at the quarterback position and allows the Patriots to develop a potential future starter.

Round 6, Pick 200: Kevin Harris, Running Back, South Carolina

With their second pick in the sixth round, the Patriots selected Kevin Harris, a running back from South Carolina. Harris is known for his size and power. Kevin Harris brings a power running style to the Patriots' backfield. His ability to break tackles and gain tough yards should be a welcome addition to the Patriots' rushing attack. While Harris' speed and agility may be concerns, his size and power are undeniable. The Patriots have a history of valuing power running backs, and they will need to work closely with Harris to refine his technique and improve his pass-catching skills. If he can develop those aspects of his game, Harris has the potential to become a valuable contributor to the Patriots' offense, particularly in short-yardage situations. The Patriots are betting on Harris' power and determination to make him a valuable asset, and his work ethic and willingness to learn will be crucial to his success. This pick adds a different dimension to the Patriots' backfield and provides them with a power running option.

Round 7, Pick 245: Andrew Stueber, Offensive Tackle, Michigan

In the seventh round, the Patriots selected Andrew Stueber, an offensive tackle from Michigan. Stueber is known for his size and strength. Andrew Stueber brings size and strength to the Patriots' offensive line. His ability to anchor against pass rushers and create running lanes should make him a valuable asset as a backup and potential future starter. While Stueber's athleticism may be a concern, his size and strength are undeniable. The Patriots have a history of developing offensive linemen, and they will need to work closely with Stueber to refine his technique and improve his footwork. If he can develop those aspects of his game, Stueber has the potential to become a reliable backup and potentially even a starter in the NFL. The Patriots are betting on Stueber's size and strength to make him a valuable asset, and his work ethic and willingness to learn will be crucial to his success. This pick adds depth to the Patriots' offensive line and provides them with a potential future starter.

Final Thoughts on the Patriots' 2022 Draft

The New England Patriots' 2022 draft was a mix of surprising selections and strategic additions. While some of their picks may have been questioned by analysts, the Patriots clearly had a plan in place and targeted players who fit their specific needs and scheme. Only time will tell how this draft class ultimately performs, but the Patriots have added a group of players with potential to make an impact on both sides of the ball and on special teams. The Patriots focused on adding speed, athleticism, and versatility to their roster, and they are betting on their ability to develop these young players into valuable contributors. The success of this draft class will depend on the coaching staff's ability to unlock the potential of these players and integrate them into the Patriots' system. The Patriots' 2022 draft class is a crucial step in their ongoing effort to rebuild and compete for championships in the years to come. By strategically addressing their needs and developing their young talent, the Patriots hope to return to the top of the AFC and contend for Super Bowls once again. This draft class represents a significant investment in the future of the franchise, and their performance will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.