4 New England Patriots defensive players who will wreak havoc in 2022

3. Mack Wilson will be a key New England Patriots addition in 2022

Will another Alabama alum prosper under the guidance and mystique of the great Bill Belichick?

Blessed with a fresh start, 24-year-old Mack Wilson is one of those players who I’m predicting will come to New England and really thrive.  Acquired in the deal that sent Chase Winovich to the Cleveland Browns, Wilson is a player who adds both speed and explosiveness to the linebacker group.

As one of those linebackers who fly around the field, Wilson is a player who could lead the Patriots in tackles in 2022, especially if the hard work he showed in training camp and the preseason continues.

"“Mack’s done a good job for us,” Belichick said back in August.  “He came in the spring, he was really an outstanding worker all spring and learned some different things that we do here.  But h’s adapted well.  He’s been productive on defense and in the kicking game so far.  We look forward to seeing him out there.”"

As one of the inside linebackers along with Ja’Whaun Bently, Raekwon McMillan and Jahlani Tavai, Wilson will play a big role on defense and should wreak havoc because of his ability to bring that speed the New England Patriots are looking for and cover running backs and tight ends.

In showing flashes with the Browns, Wilson will emerge in New England because he’ll be working with a linebacker’s coach like Jerod Mayo who he sees as a “legend.”  If anyone knows what it takes to emerge as an inside linebacker in Belichick’s system, it is Mayo.  With the speed and athleticism Wilson has, it will be no surprise here if he rises as one of the key playmakers on defense by mid-season.