The 2022 NFL Draft has been a disappointment for Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots. Several players from the draft class have already been waived or traded, and others are dealing with injuries and legal issues.
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. These moves indicate that the Patriots were not satisfied with the performance of these players during training camp and the preseason.
In addition to the departures, first-round pick Cole Strange has been sidelined with a leg injury since the start of the summer. Second-round wide receiver Tyquan Thornton is also expected to start the season on injured reserve due to a shoulder issue. These injuries have prevented these players from making an impact on the field.
The situation is made worse by the legal issues surrounding fourth-round cornerback Jack Jones. He was arrested in June after firearms were found in his carry-on luggage at Logan Airport. His court date is scheduled just two days before the Patriots’ Week 2 game against the Miami Dolphins. This incident raises concerns about Jones’ character and reliability.
Out of the 10 selections in the 2022 NFL Draft, it is possible that only four will be on the active roster for Week 1. The lone bright spot from the draft class so far is third-round cornerback/returner Marcus Jones. He had an impressive rookie season, earning first-team All-Pro honors as a returner and making an impact on offense and defense as well.
There is still some hope for sixth-round defensive end Sam Roberts, who made the initial 53-man roster after a strong camp and preseason. He appeared in five regular-season games as a rookie and could potentially contribute to the team’s defense.
It is worth noting that the Patriots’ offensive scheme has undergone changes with Bill O’Brien taking over play-calling duties. This change in philosophy may have played a role in the decision to move on from some of the 2022 draftees who are no longer on the active roster.
Overall, the 2022 NFL Draft has been a disappointment for Bill Belichick and the Patriots. They will be relying on the 2023 draft class, which includes promising defensive rookies such as cornerback Christian Gonzalez, defensive end Keion White, and linebacker/safety Marte Mapu, to make up for the shortcomings of this year’s draft class.
What concerns have been raised about the ability of cornerback Shaun Wade and linebacker Cameron McGrone to make a significant impact in the regular season, given their lackluster performance and legal issues
Ound pick Christian Barmore has been dealing with a foot injury that has sidelined him for a significant portion of the preseason. The defensive tackle was expected to have an immediate impact on the team, but his absence has hindered his development and potential contribution to the Patriots’ defense.
Another notable disappointment from the draft class is cornerback Shaun Wade, who has struggled to make an impact during preseason games. Wade was taken in the fifth round with hopes of providing depth and competition in the secondary, but his lackluster performance has raised concerns about his ability to contribute in the regular season.
Furthermore, the Patriots’ sixth-round pick, wide receiver Tre Nixon, has also been struggling to make an impression. Nixon has had difficulty creating separation from defenders and making plays in practice and preseason games. With a crowded wide receiver room, Nixon’s underwhelming performance casts doubt on his chances of making the final roster.
Aside from performance issues, the Patriots’ draft class has also been plagued by legal issues. Linebacker Cameron McGrone, who was selected in the fifth round, suffered a knee injury in college that raised concerns about his long-term durability. Additionally, he was implicated in a legal incident during the offseason, further complicating his chances of contributing early in his NFL career.
While it is still too early to fully evaluate the success of the 2022 NFL Draft for the New England Patriots, the early signs are not promising. The departure of multiple players, injuries, and legal issues have hindered the development and potential impact of several draft picks. However, it is important to remember that rookies often face challenges in transitioning to the NFL, and it is not uncommon for early struggles to be overcome with time and experience. Only time will tell if these setbacks will prove to be minor hiccups or significant obstacles for the Patriots’ 2022 draft class.
It’s definitely been a tough year for the Patriots in terms of draft picks.
I had high hopes for this year’s draft, but it seems like the Patriots missed the mark once again.