New England Patriots 2022 NFL Draft Grades For Every Pick

The New England Patriots finished last season with a record of 10-7 and made the playoffs, only to get destroyed by the Buffalo Bills. Still, it was a successful start to the Mac Jones era after he threw for 3,801 yards in his rookie year. The Patriots overachieved based on their expectations heading into the season, but there is still plenty of work to be done from a roster construction aspect.

Bill Belichick has earned his respect as a talent evaluator, but the organization’s draft pool did not come without its questions. The priority seemed to be on adding speed and athleticism when looking at their draft board.

Let's take a look at all their selections from the 2022 NFL Draft and give them a grade.

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New England Patriots 2022 NFL Draft Grades

Round 1: Cole Strange — OG Chattanooga 

The 6’5, 307-pound lineman is an aggressive blocker with good power. Cole Strange started 44 collegiate games, with 41 of them coming at left guard, two at left tackle, and one at center. He has impressive lateral quickness and a high IQ, allowing him to be utilized in more advanced schemes.

Strange was a First-Team All-Southern Conference selection this year and won the Jacobs Blocking Award (best offensive lineman in Southern Conference) in 2020 and 2021. The versatility in his game is a major asset. Strange excels as both a zone and gap run blocker and is effective as a puller. His ability to get to the second level separates him from other prospects in the draft.

The 23-year-old still needs to refine his footwork and improve his discipline at the NFL level. He has struggled when isolated as a pass blocker. Strange also has struggled when matched up against bigger and stronger guys, which is a concern moving forward. The Chattanooga lineman was projected to be a second- or third-round pick, so the Patriots clearly believe in him, but that is also why he gets docked a bit here.

Draft Grade: C

Round 2: Tyquan Thornton — WR Baylor

The 6’3, 181-pound receiver possesses an elite burst of speed, which is the major key to his game. The 4.28 40-yard dash time he recorded certainly helped his draft stock. The combination of size and speed is rare to find but is what makes Tyquan Thornton so dynamic as a player.

One of the most intriguing areas of Thornton’s game is his wide catch radius. The Baylor product is more than just a deep threat and has a decent arsenal of routes. He has great timing at the catch point and can adapt when the ball is in the air. He also excels as a blocker.

Thornton was once projected to be in the fourth-to-seventh-round conversation, but saw his stock rise closer to the draft. It feels as if the Patriots reached at this selection once again. Even so, they needed a wide receiver and Thornton is the most enticing prospect they walked away from the draft with.

Draft Grade: B-

Round 3: Marcus Jones — CB Houston

At 5’8 and 174 pounds, Marcus Johnson is a fluid athlete with impressive pace. He can match the pace of just about any receiver and fights through blocks at an impressive rate. His ability as a tackler is impressive for his position and is a distinguishing quality among the rest of the draft class.

Even so, his lack of overall size and strength is a concern moving forward. Jones oftentimes gives a step or two in coverage and relies on his speed to make up for the space. He has average ball skills but is dynamic with the ball in his hands.

The 23-year-old started two years at Troy before transferring to Houston. Due to his size, he likely projects best as a slot corner and will also play a role in special teams. Marcus Jones tallied over 2,000 kick return yards and six touchdowns between Troy and Houston.

Draft Grade: C-

Round 4: Jack Jones — CB Arizona State

Jack Jones has high potential but has not been able to put the pieces together yet. The technique and size concerns along with his off-field history make him a high-risk prospect.

Jones began his college career at USC, where he was ruled academically ineligible following his freshman year. He was eventually kicked off the team after breaking into a Panda Express to which he pleaded guilty to a second-degree misdemeanor charge. He attended community college the following year and then enrolled at Arizona State. The defensive back was also suspended at Arizona State for violating team rules.

His great instincts as a ball hawk and fluid movement give him the appeal as a prospect. Even so, he needs to add weight and does not have great tendencies in 50-50 battles. Jones has a lot to improve and also was picked several rounds ahead of what he was projected. Many teams looked at Jones as more of an undrafted target than a high-priority selection.

Draft Grade: D

Round 4: Pierre Strong — RB South Dakota State

Pierre Strong has the potential to develop into an every-down running back. He has above-average vision, a good burst, and impressive hands out of the backfield. He is mostly a straight-line runner and stands just under 6-foot.

There are some durability concerns with Strong, but he is capable of taking any run to the end zone. He likely will be a part of the Patriots committee right away.

Draft Grade: B

Round 4: Bailey Zappe — QB Western Kentucky

Bailey Zappe produced some off-the-charts stats at Western Kentucky. He broke Joe Burrow’s single-season touchdown pass record with 62 scores. He also threw for over 5,900 yards in the air with the team.

Even with the production, there is reason for concern at the NFL level. He lacks arm strength and does not have a quick release. His deep balls tended to hang in the air and he is a pure pocket passer.

It is worth a gamble to add to the QB room, but don’t expect Bailey Zappe to be challenging for the starting job.

Draft Grade: C

Round 6: Kevin Harris — RB South Carolina

Kevin Harris is a bruising running back who runs hard. He is well built and attempts to run through tacklers when challenged. He lacks as a pass catcher and is not the most creative rusher. Even so, he will be an asset to the running back committee.

Draft Grade: C+

Round 6: Sam Roberts — DT Northwest Missouri State

Sam Roberts is one of the rare Division II players to hear his name called in the 2022 NFL Draft. He is a power rusher who moves well for his 300-pound size. Roberts has impressive pursuit, great physicality, and finishes tackles. He dominated at the Division II level and led a defense that surrendered just 12.1 points per game. He must clean some things up at the next level, but he is an exciting and undervalued prospect.

Draft Grade: B

Round 6: Chasen Hines — C LSU

Chasen Hines has the size and technique that could give hope for early production in his NFL career. He generates real power and is quick to latch on to defenders. Even so, Hines lacks elite lateral ability and is heavy-footed when put in motion. His game is much more about power than quickness, and there are certain matchups he will greatly struggle.

Draft Grade: C+

Round 7: Andrew Stueber — OT Michigan