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

New England Patriots fourth-round pick Jack Jones

When it comes to upside, fourth-round pick Jack Jones comes in number one on this list.

While it is a lot of pressure to place on a player selected on Day 3 of the NFL Draft, the New England Patriots, particularly Bill Belichick may just have struck gold with Jones who has already seen work during minicamp and organized team activities with the first team defense.

Now, is that more about his talent or is it more about the team’s lack of a CB1 with the departure of J.C. Jackson?

Either way, Jack Jones is getting an opportunity to prove his upside and prove former college coach Herm Edwards right in believing the Patriots fourth-round pick could be a top cornerback in the NFL.

"“Honestly, he’s going to a place where – when you think about the system and how they use their players – I think it’s a good fit for him,” Edwards said in an interview with Patriots Wire.  “I think he needs that type of fit.  He needs the strictness of what’s asked to do, of what’s required.”"

Edwards believes the talent, skillset and athleticism is there for Jack Jones to be a special talent in the NFL, especially under Belichick.  Although a bit skinny at just 175 pounds, Belichick really needs for Jones to not only grow into his body, but also grow into a role in a similar way as both Malcolm Butler and J.C. Jackson did as undrafted rookies.

In fact, Butler could be a nice mentor for Jones while he and fellow rookie defensive back Marcus Jones learn the ropes of the NFL.  Perhaps Belichick is counting on that and hoping he found a Day 3 surprise to fill a void he should’ve taken care of a lot earlier in the draft.