The NFL Draft hasn't been too kind to the New England Patriots over the team's recent history. Various prospects that have been taken in the early rounds have been unable to truly live up to that billing and become foundational pieces for the organization. In fact, you can argue that the 2012 NFL Draft was the last time that New England was able to bring in franchise-altering talent in the first round with Chandler Jones and Dont'a Hightower coming into the fold that year.
That said, the Patriots do have some rare momentum heading into the 2022 draft after a run last year that produced a trio of promising young players, headlined by first-round quarterback Mac Jones. Patriots owner Robert Kraft even made mention of that positive step earlier this offseason.
"I'm happy that we had, I think, a great draft last year," said Kraft. "Made up for what happened the previous four years or so. I look forward to hopefully having a great draft this year. This is the only way you can build your team long term and consistency and having a chance of winning is having a good draft."
And to that point, the Patriots -- with a young starting quarterback at the helm -- will try and replicate what was their best draft in recent memory later this month as they look to contend in a loaded AFC. Currently, they own eight picks, including No. 21 overall in the opening round. Below, you'll find our full seven-round mock draft which will look to address several key positions of need for New England.
Round 1 - Pick 21
I still think a wide receiver is still an option here for the Patriots even after the DeVante Parker trade. However, that deal does lessen the need to address that position in the first round and opens the door for them to further try and fill the hole left by J.C. Jackson in free agency. Booth would be a clear upgrade from what they have now in the secondary and could develop into their No. 1 corner during his rookie contract. He is fantastic in man coverage, a physical corner and should be able to start right out of the gate.
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Round 2 - Pick 54
Getting younger and faster at the linebacker position was one of the clear needs for the Patriots entering this offseason. By targeting Muma in the second round, they add a young linebacker that moves well going sideline to sideline, is a strong tackler, and plays well in coverage.
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Round 3 - Pick 85
New England should be in the market for a receiver on Day 1 or Day 2 of the draft. Here, we have them forgoing that need in the first round and instead bring in Alabama's John Metchie III in the third. Similar to Crimson Tide teammate Jameson Williams, Metchie is recovering from a torn ACL he suffered in the SEC Championship. While that injury may hurt his draft stock a bit, the 21-year-old has the potential to be the next great slot receiver in Foxborough so long as he returns to full strength. He has an extensive route tree that could have him in a Julian Edelman-type role within this offense and be a go-to target for Mac Jones.
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Round 4 - Pick 127
It shouldn't come as too much of a shock to see the Patriots not only double-dip at cornerback, but also double-dip on Alabama players. The relationship between Bill Belichick and Nick Saban has created a logical pipeline from Tuscaloosa to Foxborough and Jobe could be the next in line. Of course, the need for cornerback is obvious by the team addressing it with its first-rounder in the mock, but the hole is big enough that the Patriots should try to retool the secondary with multiple defensive backs. Jobe could also follow a path similar to Devin McCourty by starting his career as a corner and ultimately moving to safety.
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From
Miami Dolphins
Round 5 - Pick 158
A little undersized for an inside linebacker, but McFadden would be a solid depth addition to the Patriots linebacker unit. Currently, the Patriots are thin at linebacker with Kyle Van Noy released while Dont'a Hightower and Jamie Collins are still on the free agent market, so this unit needs bodies. At Indiana, McFadden had 15.5 tackles for a loss in 2021 to go along with 6.5 sacks and is said to have a nose for the football. He also has experience on special teams, which is a trait that will likely catch Belichick's attention.
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From
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Round 5 - Pick 170
The Patriots have long-term questions along the offensive line. Isaiah Wynn and Trent Brown are both on short-term deals at the tackle spots, and the team just traded starting right guard Shaq Mason to the Buccaneers. Volson gives them a young lineman who has the size -- 6'6', 319lbs -- to either adopt one of those tackle positions or kick inside to guard for New England. Of course, the big question with Volson will be how he'll manage going from North Dakota State to facing NFL-caliber pass rushers.
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Round 6 - Pick 200
The big takeaway from the 2021 season was that the Patriots needed to get faster across the board. So, why not bring in a receiver with the nickname "Speedy", right? Nailor is a state-champion sprinter that should be able to stretch the field, and could be a replacement for Nelson Agholor if the team decides to move off of him after an unimpressive first year with the team. Durability is a concern here, but rolling the dice on this type of speed at this point in the draft should be a worthwhile gamble for New England.
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From
Los Angeles Rams
Round 6 - Pick 210
Devin McCourty could be playing in his final season, so the Patriots should begin looking to bolster that position in the event that he does retire in 2023. Hawkins may not be the heir apparent to claim the starting safety job, but he is a prospect that could prove to be a serviceable depth piece in the secondary and on special teams. He's not overly fast, but has good size for the position at 6-2, 221. He was also solid against the run for the Wolverines.
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