Day 1 of the 2022 NFL Draft is in the books, a wild one at that, and we’re on to Day 2! Rounds 2 and 3 still feature a draft pantry stocked with loads of talent, including many players with first-round grades and athletes that could be Day 1 contributors to their pro team. And while we all might still be a little thrown back by the Patriots' Round 1 selection of Cole Strange, a guard from a smaller school that some analysts had a less-than-first-round grade on, it is what it is and it is time to focus on who’s available and how they may fit in Foxborough.
The Patriots enter Day 2 of the 2022 Draft with one selection in Round 2 (54 overall) and two picks in Round 3 (85 and 94). They also have two picks in the fourth, one in the fifth, three in the sixth, and one in the seventh, so they very well could have the draft capital to move up in either the second or third round to get someone else they like. Here are some players available who would address needs and potentially be immediate impact players on the Pats in 2022 and beyond.
Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia - An accomplished three-down linebacker with great speed, instinct and football intelligence, Dean met with the Patriots twice in the pre-draft process. He was expected to be selected in Round 1, which means he’ll likely be an early Round 2 value selection. Potential defensive captain and centerpiece for years to come.
Chad Muma, LB, Wyoming - A former defensive back who converted to linebacker, Muma is a big hitter with excellent coverage skills and the size/speed (6-3, 239 lbs) to potentially be a three-down defender at the next level. The only concern might be that he excelled against inferior competition.
Christian Harris, LB, Alabama - A three-year starter for Nick Saban’s Crimson Tide, Harris has been a staple and centerpiece of the Alabama defense. While Georgia won the national championship and saw five defenders taken in the first round, Harris could well represent Nakobe Dean-esque play and production, but at a lower pick/better value. Concerns over third-year LB Anfernee Jennings not breaking through yet in New England could arise for some.
Leo Chenal, LB, Wisconsin - A 2021 First Team All-Big 10 tackling machine, Chenal, a Wisconsin native, is a bigger linebacker whose size and play might represent the way Patriots linebackers have come in recent year. Except Chenal also ran a 4.53 40-yard dash, crushed the combine, is strong as an ox and is a monster on the blitz as well, so he has the speed and power to assist across all levels of the defense. He may drop a bit due to size but is 100% a football guy.
Boye Mafe, OLB/EDGE, Minnesota - An outside linebacker with a great first step and the power/speed combo to excel in a traditional 3-4 defense, Mafe was comped in one pre-draft breakdown to...current Patriot Josh Uche. Which is great, if Josh Uche had made a significant impact to date with the Pats. They already have an Uche, but they liked Uche, so...who knows?
Travis Jones, DL, Connecticut - Jones is a big body who will help in early downs against the run, plugging up the line and muddying up the middle for the defense. He won’t generate pass rush the way a Christian Barmore did in 2021, but if the Pats are looking for a potential nose tackle of the future to win at the point of attack, Jones, a Connecticut native, could be a solid pick.
Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson - A physical corner with versatility who isn’t afraid to tackle or get into the run game (things the Patriots love about their corners), Booth excelled against quality opponents for Clemson in the ACC and played the most snaps in 2021 in the ACC without allowing a reception of 20+ yards.
Kyler Gordon, CB, Washington - Gordon’s teammate, corner Trent McDuffie, was selected in the first round. Some believe Gordon could be the better pro, and his blend of aggressiveness and fluid movement could make him a steal and starter for many teams in need of youth in the secondary.
Roger McCreary: CB, Auburn - A defender with good, quick reaction in short spaces, McCreary faced top level talent in the SEC for years and is believed, even if he isn’t as big as some of the receivers he’ll have to defend at the next level, to have the versatility and playmaking ability to be a starter at the pro level.
John Metchie, WR, Alabama - Productive college player. Excelled at Alabama for FOB (friend of Belichick) Nick Saban. Former teammate of and frequent end zone collaborator with Mac Jones. Can play all over offensive formation. Distressed asset due to injury in 2021. Everything about the Crimson Tide junior, currently recovering from an ACL, says perfect Patriots fit.
George Pickens, WR, Georgia - Long, lean, quick and with good hands. Compared to Robby Anderson, whom the Patriots have reportedly been interested in previously, Pickens isn’t a game breaker but has excellent speed and with his height, can be a tremendous red-zone target potentially at the next level. Recovered from an ACL to play in four games in 2021 and help win a national championship for the Bulldogs, but hasn’t returned to early form yet, either.
Skyy Moore, WR, Western Michigan - Moore has a rare combination of speed, quickness, hands and productivity that, when mixed with his unique football resume - former high school QB who also played defensive back - might make him a quintessential potential Patriot. According to Pro Football Focus he also had the most broken tackles in 2021 at the receiver position. There’s been rumored interest by the Bills, too, so maybe grabbing Moore could bolster the Pats while keeping an asset away from a division rival.
Christian Watson, WR, North Dakota State - Big, long, fast: Watson has tremendous straight line speed and is seen as a potential gamebreaker for a team in need of his burst and playmaking ability on offense. Plus he had an excellent Senior Bowl, always another positive harbinger for teams looking for pro-ready talent.
