Subscribe
Follow Us
The 2021 season should be looked at as a success for the New England Patriots. Rookie quarterback Mac Jones led the team to a 10-7 record, which was good enough to secure a playoff birth. While they were knocked out in the first round by the Buffalo Bills, the team had a much more impressive season than most would have expected.
The Patriots will head into the 2022 NFL Draft looking to continue to upgrade their roster as they gear up for their first true playoff run in the post-Tom Brady era. New England holds seven picks in this year's draft with their first-round pick coming at 21st overall.
Patriots Predictions for 2022 NFL Draft
3. Pats will take multiple cornerbacks
It was clear last season that cornerback was the biggest need for this Patriots team. This has become increasingly the case since the Patriots did not re-sign J.C. Jackson following his fantastic season. The Pats have made some improvement by bringing back Malcolm Butler and signing Terrance Mitchell, but the roster lacks young talent at the position. Expect the Pats to look to add multiple corners in the draft in order to rebuild this position.
For insight and predictions on the 2022 NFL Draft, listen below:
The most likely tactic to expect is for the Patriots to take one CB early and one towards the later rounds of the draft. The free-agency signings may have changed the picture slightly, but don't be surprised if the decision in the first round is used on the secondary. If Derek Stingley Jr. is still on the board it would likely be a no-brainer, but Kyler Gordon and Trent McDuffie are more likely names to watch.
2. New England will address wide receiver
The Patriots absolutely must be in search of an impact WR in the draft. The lack of effective receivers has made it difficult to evaluate Jones and it is clear he needs more help in this area. The Pats have appeared unwilling to spend major money in free agency at this position, which makes the draft a likely solution.
The Patriots did acquire DeVante Parker but he likely isn't the dream target many have pictured. Parker has played in 93 career games and secured 24 touchdowns during this time. A change of scenery will likely be helpful for the first-rounder as he has failed to fully meet expectations with the Miami Dolphins. Even considering the addition, the WR group still could use help and at least one pick should be put toward a wide receiver.
3. Offensive line will be a priority
The Patriots' offensive line took a great deal of criticism for the number of hits Jones in his rookie year. The unit began to tighten up towards the end of the season but faces some question marks this offseason. It was a sigh of relief when Trent Brown elected to re-sign with New England after exploring free agency. However, Ted Karras made a different decision and chose to sign with the Cincinnati Bengals after playing a valuable role with the Patriots last season. This is a notable loss as his value went beyond just the stat sheet.
There are still questions regarding the line, but look for them to be answered in the draft. Mac Jones impressed greatly last year and it is the Patriots' time to set him up for additional success moving forward. Putting a productive offensive line in front of him is incredibly crucial and the Pats should prove that in this draft. If the Patriots do not like the options at the corner position, they likely will elect to draft an offensive lineman in round one.
