Patriots 2022 NFL Mock Draft 2.0: Belichick fortifies the trenches
Are the New England Patriots now the third best team in the AFC East? It’s easy to reach that conclusion if you are judging success from activity during free agency.
The Buffalo Bills signed edge rush specialist Von Miller, headlining their free agency class as they spent big to maximize their championship window. The Miami Dolphins traded for WR Tyreek Hill to pair with WR Jaylen Waddle and signed LT Terron Armstead to provide QB Tua Tagovailoa the weapons and protection to succeed.
Yes, the Patriots made some additions, but it seems more quality walked out the door than came in. Pro Bowl cornerback J.C. Jackson is off to the Los Angeles Chargers. Starting guards Shaq Mason and Ted Karras won’t be protecting QB Mac Jones anymore.
Before contemplating what New England should do with their top-5 pick in 2023, lean away from the panic button and wait and see what happens in this year’s NFL Draft.
The Patriots found three impact players in last year’s draft in Jones, DT Christian Barmore and RB Rhamondre Stevenson. If healthy in 2022, linebackers Ronnie Perkins and Cameron McGrone could be big contributors.
So who’s to say the New England Patriots can’t repeat last year’s success this year?
The Patriots have their work cut out for them. The needs are obvious. They have eight selections right now, but head coach Bill Belichick tends to be active with trades. My expectation is New England trades down in the first round in an attempt to acquire additional second and third round picks.
From my evaluations, several Patriot-type players will be available in rounds two and three. The additional picks put New England in better position to get the players they want.
But projecting trades is cheating, in my opinion. It’s too easy to create favorable trades to get the players one wants for their respective teams. So I’m working off the current draft selections.
Will any of those selections be receivers? Yes. But probably not when Patriots Nation wants.