Patriots: 3 way-too-early 2022 NFL Draft prospects we’re eyeing
By Mike Luciano
The New England Patriots draft has come to an end, and the collection of picks amassed by Bill Belichick prove that he hasn’t lost his sharp scouting eye. The Patriots added a potential franchise quarterback in Mac Jones, and it only got better from there.
The Patriots picked up a possible star at defensive tackle in Christian Barmore, a sensational pass rusher in Ronnie Perkins, and a change-of-pace running back in Rhamondre Stevenson. Picks like Cameron McGrone in the fifth round and Joshuah Bledsoe in the sixth represent tremendous value.
Knowing Belichick, New England is already getting prepared for next year’s draft, which promises to somehow be even deeper than a loaded 2021 class. With a few improvements left to be made on this team, the talent coming to the NFL in 2022 could help the Pats load up on formidable depth.
These three prospects could come in and make an immediate impact in New England if Belichick continues to draft well next season.
These 3 potential 2022 Patriots draft picks could become stars.
3. LB Christian Harris, Alabama
If there’s one position that’s looking rather thin in 2022, it’s linebacker. With Micah Parsons and Jamin Davis leading a stacked class in 2021, Harris is one of the few linebackers that appears to be a first-round lock given his ability to fly all over the field at the heart Nick Saban’s defense.
When Dylan Moses struggled in his return to the field, it was Harris who ended up taking on a leadership role, keeping everyone locked in and ready to go. If Josh Uche fails to reach the lofty goals that Belichick has set for the former Michigan star, he could lean on his old buddy Saban for another defender.
How would Christian Harris help the Patriots?
Alabama, more so than any other school, is a linebacker factory, and Harris is the next one up on the conveyer belt. The requisite speed, ability to make plays in the box and in coverage, and mental fortitude needed to absorb a Belichick playbook are all there, which could end up helping his transition to the pros.
Belichick has shown that multiple years of experience in a major conference is a plus for him, and Harris will have three seasons in the SEC under his belt by the time the next draft arrives. Harris is a low-floor prospect who can help right away.