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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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Sep 11, 2021; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats offensive tackle Darian Kinnard (65) and guard Eli Cox (75) celebrate a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Missouri Tigers at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2021; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats offensive tackle Darian Kinnard (65) and guard Eli Cox (75) celebrate a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Missouri Tigers at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports /

Patriots should shore up the offense first in the 2021 Draft

This space has been consistent in advocating for a strategy that may be counterintuitive — or, at least, counter to prevailing wisdom among many (but not all) Boston sports observers. Since it’s unlikely that the defense can be completely rebuilt this offseason, then the theory is that adding two key pieces to the offense could make that side of the ball truly formidable, if not fearsome.

The offense, despite the addition of Parker, still needs a true No. 1 receiver. The preferred way to get one is in the draft. Suggested potential No. 1 receivers include Alabama’s Jameson Williams or John Metchie III, as well as Ohio State’s Chris Olave. Adding one of those players to the Patriots’ receiving corps early in the draft could take the offensive production to a whole new level.

Additionally, the Patriots’ offensive line needs reinforcing at the tackle (and maybe also the guard) position. Isaiah Wynn is an adequate offensive left tackle, but right tackle Trent Brown is a better one. Brown should be moved to the left side and Wynn should be moved inside to play guard. He’s a devastating run blocker and his presence inside will help make up for the losses of both the traded Shaq Mason and Ted Karras, who ill-advisedly was allowed to once again leave in free agency.

The right tackle position can and hopefully will be manned by the draftee, and the preferred choice here remains Northern Iowa’s Trevor Penning. Adding Penning to the Patriots’ offensive line will almost single-handedly make this an A draft. Add Metchie III or another top wide receiver in addition, and several +++’s will be added to that A grade.

Similarly, selecting Williams (now more of a longshot to be available at Patriots’ No. 21 first-round pick without trading up) and then adding a top tackle like Daniel Faalele of Wisconsin or Darian Kinnard of Kentucky, will also notch a lofty A+++ grade. Yet, that opinion notwithstanding, should talented defensive players arrive early in the draft in Foxborough, it could also be very productive.

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