Bill Belichick isn’t known to draft for the New England Patriots’ most glaring needs in the first round.
If the Patriots were to take that approach — they would find a top-tier cornerback, wide receiver or linebacker to select with the No. 21 pick. Jameson Williams, Drake London and Chris Olave are all great receiver choices that could be available. Nakobe Dean or Christian Harris would provide speed and a new dynamic at the linebacker position.
But, it’s the Patriots and they will likely add depth on the offensive or defensive line. NFL Network’s Mike Giardi ran through some scenarios on Twitter and gave his idea of the Patriots’ approach to the 2022 NFL Draft.
Don't be surprised if the #Patriots go w/ a big body if they stay at #21. They've spent a lot of time with some of the top prospects, from tackles Trevor Penning & Bernhard Raimann to interior players Zion Johnson & Kenyon Green. They have a hole at LG and future tackle issues.
— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) April 10, 2022
Others to keep in mind at slot: Jahan Dotson (played more outside than inside at PSU), Jon Metchie (ACL), David Ball of Purdue (tested poorly), Kentucky's Wan'Dale Robinson (pint-sized 5'8", 178), Kyle Phillips of UCLA (Chip Kelly connection) & Boise State's Khalil Shakir.
— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) April 10, 2022
I keep hearing good reviews about Oklahoma St LB Malcolm Rodriguez. Not the biggest but is plenty quick and, as one scout told me, "he finds the football all the damn time." Undersized at 5'11" but is pushing 235 lbs. A former high school QB/safety, he "just knows how to play."
— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) April 10, 2022
Talked to people who devoured Georgia tape this year and safety Lewis Cine has a lot of fans league-wide. At least a couple scouts/execs I've talked to think he's the best safety in the class. "Very smart" and "plays the angles right." Should be a terrific centerfielder.
— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) April 10, 2022
These are all solid mid-round options and these are the type of players the Patriots will likely call upon to fill holes at the three aforementioned positions. The loss of Shaq Mason and Ted Karras does create the need to build on the offensive line with the No. 21 pick also.
