NFL Insider Gives Insight Into How Patriots Might Approach 2022 Draft
The New England Patriots will enter the 2022 NFL Draft with a few big needs to take care of. Head coach Bill Belichick did a brilliant job in the 2021 Draft and Mac Jones was one of the best picks he has ever made. Yes, the Patriots never select signal-callers in the first round, but they used the 15th overall on Jones. The Alabama prospect won the quarterback battle last summer and the Patriots gave him the starting role. Jones led the team to a seven-game winning streak. Well, team owner Robert Kraft wants the Patriots to have similar success in the upcoming draft.
The Patriots owner is not happy with the fact that his team didn’t make the big game in the last few years. Kraft wants Belichick to build a championship-winning team. How will Belichick handle this demand?
The Patriots have the 21st overall pick this year. They may decide to trade up or down to get the players they needs. Belichick has a few big holes on the roster. They need players at multiple positions.
Patriots to go big in the 2022 NFL Draft
Mike Giardi has a theory and his threat makes sense for some fans.
“Don’t be surprised if the Patriots go w/a big body if they stay at #21,” Giardi tweeted Sunday. “They’ve spent a lot of time with some of the top prospects, from tackles Trevor Penning & Bernhard Raimann to interior players Zion Johnson & Kenyon Green. They have a hole at LG and future tackle issues.”
Don't be surprised if the #Patriots go w/ a big body if they stay at #21. They've spent a lot of time with some of the top prospects, from tackles Trevor Penning & Bernhard Raimann to interior players Zion Johnson & Kenyon Green. They have a hole at LG and future tackle issues.
— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) April 10, 2022
Others to keep in mind at slot: Jahan Dotson (played more outside than inside at PSU), Jon Metchie (ACL), David Ball of Purdue (tested poorly), Kentucky's Wan'Dale Robinson (pint-sized 5'8", 178), Kyle Phillips of UCLA (Chip Kelly connection) & Boise State's Khalil Shakir.
— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) April 10, 2022
I keep hearing good reviews about Oklahoma St LB Malcolm Rodriguez. Not the biggest but is plenty quick and, as one scout told me, "he finds the football all the damn time." Undersized at 5'11" but is pushing 235 lbs. A former high school QB/safety, he "just knows how to play."
— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) April 10, 2022
Talked to people who devoured Georgia tape this year and safety Lewis Cine has a lot of fans league-wide. At least a couple scouts/execs I've talked to think he's the best safety in the class. "Very smart" and "plays the angles right." Should be a terrific centerfielder.
— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) April 10, 2022
The Patriots didn’t make too many big moves this offseason. Their cap space is a bit tight and Belichick was really careful about his options. The Patriots did trade for DeVante Parker and this will be one of the very few big moves in the next few months.
NFL analysts have a few predictions on the Patriots’ moves in the draft. Will they get a corner? A receiver? Well, Belichick has a plan and his scouts are doing a really good job.