2022 NFL Draft Spells Trouble for Belichick and the Patriots
The 2022 NFL Draft could be one that New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick wants to forget. As the regular season approaches, it’s become clear that this draft class has not lived up to expectations.
The Patriots made a total of 10 selections in the draft, but it seems that only four players will make the Week 1 active roster. Quarterback Bailey Zappe, running back Kevin Harris, and offensive linemen Chasen Hines and Andrew Stueber were all waived ahead of the roster cutdown deadline. Running back Pierre Strong was traded to the Cleveland Browns.
The struggles don’t end there. First-round pick Cole Strange, a guard taken with the 29th overall selection, has been sidelined since the start of training camp due to a leg injury. Second-round wide receiver Tyquan Thornton will likely start the season on injured reserve with a shoulder issue.
To make matters worse, fourth-round cornerback Jack Jones is dealing with legal issues. Jones was arrested in June after firearms were found in his carry-on luggage at Logan Airport. His court date is set for September 15, just days before the Patriots’ Week 2 game against the Miami Dolphins.
With such a lackluster showing from the 2022 draft class, it’s clear that the Patriots are counting on other players to step up. Third-round pick Marcus Jones has been a bright spot, earning the title of first-team All-Pro returner as a rookie. He made an impact on offense, defense, and special teams, becoming the first player in 45 years to score touchdowns in all three phases in a single season.
There is still hope for sixth-round selection Sam Roberts. The defensive end managed to secure a spot on the initial 53-man roster after an impressive camp and preseason. He appeared in five regular-season games during his rookie year.
The struggles of the draft class may be partially attributed to changes in the Patriots’ coaching staff and offensive scheme. Bill O’Brien has taken over play-calling duties, while Matt Patricia and Joe Judge were in charge when the draft picks were made. The shift in offensive philosophy likely played a role in the decision to move on from some of the 2022 draftees.
Despite the setbacks, the Patriots are hopeful that their 2023 draft class will make up for the disappointments of this year. Exciting defensive rookies such as cornerback Christian Gonzalez, defensive end Keion White, and linebacker/safety Marte Mapu offer promise for the future.
Only time will tell if the 2022 NFL Draft will go down as one of Belichick’s worst with the Patriots. However, it’s clear that this year’s class has not met expectations, and the team will need to rely on others to fill the void.