4 New England Patriots rookies Bill Belichick need to hit on in 2022

New England Patriots fourth-round pick Pierre Strong Jr.

Selected in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, running back Pierre Strong Jr is the one player on this list who doesn’t need to contribute right away.

In fact, given the depth the New England Patriots have at the running back position, it would be no surprise at all if the South Dakota State prospect sat his rookie season, especially with veteran running back James White returning to the mix.

At 5-foot-11, 205 pounds, Strong brings versatility to the backfield that the Patriots love.  Like White and players before him like Dion Lewis, Shane Vereen, Rex Burkhead and Danny Woodhead, Strong Jr would serve as that change of pace back who can catch the ball out of the backfield and make things happen in the open field.

In that respect, he could be one of the steals in the draft, especially if injuries plague the running back position.  Or perhaps the rookie running back could impress enough that he forces out a veteran sooner rather than later.  That could be J.J. Taylor, or it could even be James White.

With all that said, Pierre Strong Jr. does have Patriots written all over him and if he can prove he can contribute in the upcoming season, that along would validate Belichick’s reasoning of drafting two running backs over other needs the team had going into the 2022 NFL Draft.

The icing on the cake would be that the Patriots would have great depth and versatility at the position.