In many ways, the New England Patriots made a number of predictable moves during the 2022 NFL draft. They plugged a hole on the offensive line with a first-round pick at guard (Chattanooga’s Cole Strange). They added a developmental receiver who will have time to learn the playbook behind the Patriots’ deep group. And they added not one but two cornerbacks to the seemingly lacking group. They also secured a third-round draft pick for 2023. (Bonus points!) In that sense, the draft was impressive, with the team skipping over only the tackle position, where they might need a replacement for Isaiah Wynn in 2023.
Of course, that narrative ignores the Patriots disregard for value. Just about every one of their picks was a reach when looking at the boards of draft analysts. So it will be interesting to see — as these rookies’ careers develop — whether the Patriots were right and everyone else was wrong.
In the meantime, let’s evaluate the immediate winners and losers.
