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Final Patriots thoughts before the critical 2022 NFL Draft

By Michael DeVito

TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA - NOVEMBER 20: John Metchie III #8 of the Alabama Crimson Tide breaks a tackle by LaDarrius Bishop #24 and Simeon Blair #15 of the Arkansas Razorbacks during the first half at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 20, 2021 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA - NOVEMBER 20: John Metchie III #8 of the Alabama Crimson Tide breaks a tackle by LaDarrius Bishop #24 and Simeon Blair #15 of the Arkansas Razorbacks during the first half at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 20, 2021 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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Florida defensive back Kaiir Elam (5) pulls in an interception over Vanderbilt wide receiver Chris Pierce Jr. (19) during the fourth quarter at Vanderbilt Stadium Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020 in Nashville, Tenn.Nas Vandy Florida 031
Florida defensive back Kaiir Elam (5) pulls in an interception over Vanderbilt wide receiver Chris Pierce Jr. (19) during the fourth quarter at Vanderbilt Stadium Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020 in Nashville, Tenn.Nas Vandy Florida 031 /

The New England Patriots will be on the clock shortly in the critical 2022 NFL Draft for this rebuilding (playoff) team that has multiple needs all over the field. Yes, the Patriots are indeed in a rebuilding mode. Unlike most of the previous two decades, the club needs numerous additions to reconstruct both sides of the ball.

Barring any trades of players or draft picks on or before Thursday, April 28, the team will enter the festivities with nine draft picks. Every piece of the puzzle is critical to making that rebuild a success. Nailing the 2022 NFL Draft is one of the most vital components.

After a big (though not necessarily tremendously impactful) splurge in the free agent market in 2021, this offseason’s foray has been lackluster in comparison. No marquee signings, really.

The team did pull off a nice trade with their AFC East Division rivals the Miami Dolphins for a wide receiver (DeVante Parker), however, and that could be quite significant indeed.

Lots will be riding on the 2022 draft to spice things up a bit more. Patriots owner Robert Kraft has once again chimed in to make it perfectly clear that he expects another rousing success similar to 2021, which followed four previous duds. The pressure is on Bill Belichick, Patriot football majordomo, and his newly minted Director of Player Personnel Matt Groh. With all this in mind, here are some final thoughts before the draft.

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