After a long, and somewhat uneventful, offseason for the New England Patriots, it is officially time for the 2022 NFL Draft. With nine picks in their current arsenal, the Patriots will be banking on another strong draft class to build off of last year’s. With the 21st overall pick, all options seem to be on the board, but adding more speed and explosiveness will likely be an area of focus for New England over the next three days.
No matter what the Patriots will do, Pats Pulpit has you covered! We will have plenty of coverage over the next three days (and beyond), so make sure to regularly check back for all the latest news, rumors and analysis.
As for the first day of the event, look no further than right here: our Patriots news and rumors tracker that will be regularly updated throughout the day and into the night. Check out our friends at DraftKings Sportsbook for odds on this year’s draft.
10:04 pm: The Philadelphia Eagles have agreed to a four-year, $100 million contract extension with newly acquired wide receiver A.J. Brown.
9:47 pm: The Baltimore Ravens have traded wide receiver Marquise Brown and the 100th overall pick to the Arizona Cardinals for the 23rd selection.
3:48 pm: NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports the Green Bay Packers – who currently own picks No. 22 and 28 – are a team exploring a possible trade up for their wide receiver of choice. | Report
11:55 am: NFL Network’s Mike Giardi shared some draft day buzz regarding two Georgia defenders, believing defensive tackle Jordan Davis goes top-10 while safety Lewis Cine does not make it out of the first round. Giardi also shared that Jahan Dotson will be selected before Treylon Burks, while offensive tackle Charles Cross has been linked to the New Orleans Saints. | Report
1-1 Jacksonville Jaguars: EDGE Travon Walker, Georgia
After taking Trevor Lawerence first overall in last year’s draft, the Jaguars add Georgia’s Travon Walker along the EDGE first overall this year. A pick that has been picking up steam in recent days, as Walker is a prototypical defensive lineman at 6-foot-5, 272 pounds, with 35 ½ inch arms – something that played a particular role in this selection. Despite his plus-size, Walker has rare athleticism that the Jaguars hope will allow him to tap into his potential.
1-2 Detroit Lions: EDGE Aidan Hutchinson, Michigan
The Michigan man stays in Detroit. Hutchinson’s strong senior season in Ann Arbor skyrocketed him up draft boards as he projects as a versatile every down defensive end. The Lions certainly needed more talent along the defensive line after finishing 29th in pressure percentage and 30th in sacks. Dan Campbell certainly will be happy to get his hands on the high motored and passionate Hutchinson – the perfect kneecap biter along the Lions defensive line.
1-3 Houston Texans: CB Derek Stingley, LSU
Another pick that has been gaining steam in recent days. Stingley’s talent level is clear, but his stock has been up and down after battling injuries and inconsistencies throughout his collegiate tenure. However, Houston will bank on his potential of becoming a premiere outside cornerback with his elite speed and ball skills.
1-4 New York Jets: CB Ahmad Gardner, Cincinatti
With two top ten selections, the Jets nab the other consensus top-two cornerback available. Gardner was a standout in the Cincinnati secondary, not allowing a single touchdown reception in his collegiate career. The 6-foot-3 corner also did not allow more than 13 yards to any receiver in a game this past season. He has all the tools to develop into a strong starting cornerback in Robert Saleh’s defense.
1-5 New York Giants: EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux
Another team with two selection in the top ten, the Giants continue the run of defensive prospects to start the draft. With all three offensive tackles remaining, New York doesn’t take the chance of losing out on Thibodeaux. The former No. 1 ESPN 100 player was once viewed as the top prospect in this class but battled back through a high ankle sprain last year. Still, he is an explosive athlete that will be expected to be a game changer along the Giants defensive line.
1-6 Carolina Panthers: OT Ikem Ekwonu, NC State
The first of the three consensus top three offensive tackles go off the board to Carolina, a team that desperately needed help in the trenches. Ekwonu was regarded as the “safest” of the three tackle prospects to most, as he proved to be an extremely aggressive and dynamic blocker over the last three years at NC State. He’ll be a day one starter in Carolina, who picks their top overall player after considering a quarterback.
1-7 New York Giants: OT Evan Neal, Alabama
As expected, the Giants add an offensive tackle with one of their two top ten picks. Neal is an absolute monster (6-foot-7, 337 pounds) at the tackle spot who has the versatility and skill set to play left or right tackle.
1-8 Atlanta Falcons: WR Drake London, USC
A team that desperately needed playmakers at the wide receiver position, the Falcons nab the first wide receiver in this year’s draft. London has great size (6-foot-4, 220 pounds) and athleticism at the position who is excellent in contested catch situations. He will immediately step in as Atlanta’s starting outside receiver to create a 1-2 punch with last year’s first round pick Kyle Pitts.
1-9 Seattle Seahawks: OT Charles Cross, Mississippi State
The third offensive tackle off the board in the top ten (as expected). After fielding trade offers, Seattle uses the first pick they acquired in the Russell Wilson blockbuster to snag their future left tackle. Cross is perhaps the best pass protector in this draft due to his hand usage and footwork. He’ll immediately slid into Seattle’s starting rotation, where he’ll use his exceptional athleticism on the outside to match up against edge rushers in the NFL.
1-10 New York Jets: WR Garrett Wilson, Ohio State
Ohio State’s Garrett Wilson becomes the second receiver off the board in this draft. Wilson will give Zach Wilson the best target of his young career. He aligned both in the slot and outside with the Buckeyes, but may be better suited in the slot in the NFL. Either way, he proved to be a threat anytime he touches the ball, instantly becoming New York’s biggest offensive playmaker.
TRADE: Washington trades No. 11 to the New Orleans Saints for No. 16, 98, and 120
1-11 New Orleans Saints: WR Chris Olave, Ohio State
Olave goes the pick after his counterpart Garrett Wilson, as the Saints send Washington a third- and fourth-round selection to move up five spots. Olave was perhaps the best route runner in this class and is a high-end separator. He’ll immediately occupy a featured role in the Saints’ offense, creating a dynamic duo with former Buckeye Michael Thomas.
TRADE: Minnesota trades No. 12, 46 to the Detroit Lions for No. 32, 34, 66
1-12 Detroit Lions: WR Jameson Williams, Alabama
The run on receivers continue as Detroit takes perhaps the best receiver in this class. Williams was a home-run hitter the second he arrived in Tuscaloosa. He has great speed and can straight up run away from defenders. Williams is still recovering from a torn ACL he suffered in the National Championship game, but his talent is certainly worth the wait.
TRADE: Houston trades No. 13 to the Philadelphia Eagles for No. 15, 124, 162, 166
1-13 Philadelphia Eagles: DT Jordan Davis, Georgia
A third straight trade back, as the Eagles give up three additional picks to slide up two spots. With the 13th overall selection, they take Georgia’s defensive tackle Jordan Davis. Davis is a physical and athletic monster, scoring a maximum RAS of 10 despite being listed at 6-foot-6, 340 pounds. He’ll be a game wrecker along the defensive line, especially next to Fletcher Cox in Philadelphia.
1-14 Baltimore Ravens: S Kyle Hamilton, Notre Dame
Hamilton was regarded by some as the top prospect in this draft, but positional value and a poor performance in the 40-yard dash resulted in his draft stock taking a slip. Hamilton played all over Notre Dame’s secondary and will be able to immediately be plugged in as a chess piece in Baltimore’s defense. He has the potential to be the best player from this class.
1-15 Houston Texans: OG Kenyon Green, Texas A&M
Green was considered one of the top two consensus offensive guards in this class along with Boston College’s Zion Johnson. Green notched 35 starts for the Aggies over three years, aligning at every offensive line spot except for center. He’s a strong athlete and has the physical traits to be a dominant starter from day one.
1-16 Washington Commanders: WR Jahan Dotson, Penn State
Dotson becomes the fifth receiver off the board, as the Commanders find their counterpart for Terry McLaurin. A former three-sport athlete, his speed and route running/seperation ability stand out. He has big play written all over from the X, Y, or Z, while also adding value as a returner.
1-17 Los Angeles Chargers: OG Zion Johnson, Boston College
The Chargers add to their front lines in order to protect Justin Herbert with the other top guard in this draft. Johnson is as solid as they come – a smart and strong blocker with consistent technique. He’ll be an immediate starter in the NFL.
TRADE: Philadelphia trades No. 18, 101 to Tennessee for WR A.J. Brown
1-18 Tennessee Titans: WR Treylon Burks, Arkansas
The Titans immediately fill their A.J. Brown size hole on their receiver depth chart, with a receiver whose play size and strength has drawn comparison to Brown. Burks is best known for his contested catch skills and ability to go up and win 50/50 balls. He’s got good size (6-foot-2, 225 pounds) to pair with strong build up speed, lining up as the X receiver, slot receiver, and in the backfield at times for the Razorbacks.
1-19 New Orleans Saints: OT Trevor Penning, Northern Iowa
The offensive tackle class had their question marks outside the top three, but Trevor Penning established himself at the No. 4 guy with a strong pre-draft performances. Penning can be described by two words: nasty and physical. He ends lots of plays with defenders on the ground, but will have to make sure his physicality does not come back to hurt him. Either way, the Saints get the offensive tackle they needed.
1-20 Pittsburgh Steelers: QB Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh stays patient at No. 20 and let their quarterback of choice fall into their lap. Pickett, a redshirt senior, gets to stay in Pittsburgh, where he leaves as the Panthers all-time leading passer. He can be aggressive at times, but was a strong vertical passer – who also has the ability to make things happen with his legs.
TRADE: New England trades No. 21 to Kansas City for No. 29, 94, 121
1-21 Kansas City Chiefs: CB Trent McDuffie, Washington
McDuffie is a three-year starter for Washington who allowed zero touchdowns in coverage last season. He’s a strong playmaker and uses his speed in man coverage. McDuffie’s best trait is perhaps his run defense, where he does not shy away from any contact whatsoever.
1-22 Green Bay Packers: LB Quay Walker, Georgia
Walker – who was heavily rumored to New England in recent days – is the first linebacker off the board. The former Bulldog has ideal size (6-foot-4, 241 pounds) and speed for the new era linebacker position. He’s been described as a heat-seeking missile and has a bit of Jamie Collins to his game.
TRADE: Baltimore trades No. 23 to Buffalo for No. 25, 130
1-23 Buffalo Bills: CB Kaiir Elam, Florida
The Bills move up and add a true outside cornerback to their secondary. Elam, who is still just 20-years old, used his length, athleticism, and physicality at Florida to succeed in both zone and press coverages. He some work to do, but has the traits to be a day one starter across from Tre’Davious White.
1-24 Dallas Cowboys: OT Tyler Smith, Tulsa
The Cowboys address their offensive line needs with Tulsa’s Tyler Smith. Smith was not deemed as a first-round value, but has versatility at both tackle spots. He is a big, powerful tackle with long arms that will need to be coached up at the next level to limit his penalties.
1-25 Baltimore Ravens: C Tyler Linderbaum, Iowa
Linderbaum is a high-level talent, but his size and strength will limit him to center in the NFL. With that being said, he has the IQ and ability to be a high quality starter in that role. There may be some growing pains early adjusting to the NFL, but Linderbaum has the makings to be a key part of the Ravens offensive line.
TRADE: Tennessee trades No. 26, 101 to New York Jets for No. 35, 69, 163
1-26 New York Jets: EDGE Jermaine Johnson, Florida State University
The Jets move back up for their third first-round pick and grab a player they were considering with their first two selections.
1-27 Tampa Bay Buccaneers:
When: Thursday, April 28 at 8 p.m. ET
Where: Las Vegas
Coverage: Please check out our NFL Draft Viewing Guide
Time per pick: 10 minutes
Round 1: No. 21
Round 2: No. 54
Round 3: No. 85
Round 4: No. 127
Round 5: No. 158 (via Miami)
Round 6: No. 183 (via Houston), No. 200, No. 210 (via Los Angeles)
Round 7: No. 245 (via Houston from Dallas)
The 21st overall selection is set to take place around 11:20 p.m. ET, based on the 10-minute pick timer. Realistically, however, New England likely will select earlier as not every team will use the full allotted time slot. Last year, the 21st overall pick was officially on the clock two hours and 26 minutes into the draft (10:26 p.m. ET).
Quarterback: N/A
Wide receiver: Jameson Williams (Alabama), Chris Olave (Ohio State)
Offensive tackle: Trevor Penning (Northern Iowa), Bernhard Raimann (Central Michigan)
Offensive guard: Zion Johnson (Boston College), Kenyon Green (Texas A&M)
Defensive tackle: Jordan Davis (Georgia), Devonte Wyatt (Georgia)
Defensive edge: Boye Mafe (Minnesota), David Ojabo (Michigan), George Karlaftis (Purdue), Jermaine Johnson (Florida State)
Linebacker: Nakobe Dean (Georgia), Quay Walker (Georgia), Devin Lloyd (Utah)
Cornerback: Andrew Booth Jr. (Clemson), Kaiir Elam (Florida), Trent McDuffie (Washington),
Safety: Dax Hill (Michigan)
Not including players expected to be out of New England’s range
