2022 NFL Draft grades for the Buffalo Bills’ AFC East rivals
New England Patriots
Round 1, 29th overall: Cole Strange, OL (Chattanooga)
Round 2, 50th overall: Tyquan Thornton, WR (Baylor)
Round 3, 85th overall: Marcus Jones, CB (Houston)
Round 4, 121st overall: Jack Jones, CB (Arizona State)
Round 4, 127th overall: Pierre Strong, RB (South Dakota State)
Round 4, 137th overall: Bailey Zappe, QB (Western Kentucky)
Round 6, 183rd overall: Kevin Harris, RB (South Carolina)
Round 6, 200th overall: Sam Roberts, DT (Northwest Missouri State)
Round 6, 210th overall: Chasen Hines, G (LSU)
Round 7, 245th overall: Andrew Stueber, OL (Michigan)
The New England Patriots had by far the biggest draft class within the division with 10 draft picks over the seven rounds. The first pick was surprising, particularly to Rams’ head coach Sean McVay, as they selected offensive guard Cole Strange from Chattanooga.
In the second round, the Patriots elected to go with wide receiver Tyquan Thornton out of Baylor, who has excellent speed but seemed to go a few rounds earlier than expected.
After that point though, New England found some great value and added depth across their entire roster. Marcus Jones out of Houston was a player that could have been a fit with the Buffalo Bills if they didn’t take a cornerback early and they followed that up by selecting Jack Jones out of Arizona State.
They also added two running backs in Pierre Strong and Kevin Harris who will have a chance to compete and Bailey Zappe should step in as the backup to Mac Jones.
Must Read. Buffalo Bills 53-man roster projections after 2022 NFL Draft. light
In the end, there was nothing flashy about the New England Patriots draft class but they also have become known for finding some of these diamonds in the rough and turning them into quality starters.