2022 Patriots positional review

The Patriots are less than a week away from playing an NFL football game, which means taking a deeper dive into their roster. After a long off-season of departures and a couple of additions, the Patriots look to repeat what they did last year: make the playoffs. One of the biggest questions of the off-season was, will the Patriots get faster? After a historically bad performance versus Buffalo in the wildcard game in January, the focus has been getting faster. Bill Belichick tackled speed in the draft, getting the fastest wide receiver, Tyquan Thorton, and the fastest running back, Pierce Strong Jr., along with trading Chase Winovich for Mack Wilson. That being said, let’s take a deep dive into the strongest and weakest position groups for the 2022 New England Patriots.

*= projected starter

Quarterbacks (3)

*Mac Jones

Brain Hoyer

Bailey Zappe

All three quarterbacks were projected locks to make the roster; the only question was whether rookie Bailey Zappe would make the active roster. Many thought Zappe would be an excellent fit for the practice squad, but he made the cut and is now the projected third-string quarterback.

Running backs (4)

*Damien Harris

Rhamondre Stevenson

Pierce Strong Jr.

Ty Montgomery

Although Montgomery suffered an injury in the last pre-season game and had to be carted off, it should not be too serious as the Patriots released J.J. Taylor and sixth-round pick Kevin Harris. Strong Jr. did not have a strong pre-season (no pun intended). Harris and Stevenson will continue to be the Patriots top two backs. Stevenson will also take on more pass-catching duties due to James White’s retirement.

Wide Receivers (5)

*DeVante Parker

*Jakobi Meyers

Nelson Agholor

Kendrick Bourne

Tyquan Thornton

Parker will be New England’s number one receiver, with Meyers and Agholor following as two and three. Bourne struggled during camp but will stay around as their number four. Thornton landed on the I.R. and is projected to come back mid to late October. Although the Patriots do not have a real threat in this group, they have a strong core.

Tight Ends (2)

Hunter Henry

Jonnu Smith

According to various reports, the Patriots tend to use more than two tight-end personnel this season. In 2021 Henry and Smith were only on the field 12% of snaps together, one of the lowest percentages in the league.

Offensive Line (8)

*Trent Brown

*Cole Strange

*David Andrews

*Michael Onwenu

*Isaiah Wynn

Yodny Cajuste

Justin Herron

Chasen Hines

Throughout the off-season, there were rumors that Isaiah Wynn would be traded; for now, he remains in Foxborough. Hines started camp on the Non-Football Injury list, but his versatility is top tier. Cole Strange has been a starter since day one at left guard and will look to continue his presence on the offensive line.

Defensive Line (6)

*Davon Godchaux

*Christian Barmore

Lawernce Guy

Deatrich Wise

Carl Davis

Sam Roberts

No changes with the D-line except the addition of Roberts. Roberts impressed in the pre-season and was a surprise to make the roster. Barmore looks to build on a tremendous rookie campaign.

Linebackers (8)

*Matt Judon

*Anfernee Jennings

*Raekwon Mcmillian

*Ja’Whaun Bentley

DaMarcus Mitchell

Jahlani Tavai

Mack Wilson

Along with returning starters Judon and Bentley, the Patriots will rely on younger players like McMillan, Wilson, and Uche to provide the speed the unit lacked last season. The Patriots keep their UFA streak as the undrafted free agent DaMacrus Mitchell makes the roster. Jennings should start opposite of Judon and has been a surprisingly good asset.

Cornerbacks (6)

*Jalen Mills

*Jonathon Jones

Marcus Jones

Jack Jones

Myles Bryant

Shaun Wade

The Patriots will be rolling with three Jones in their cornerback group as both Marcus Jones and Jack Jones impressed. Shaun Wade has also caught some attention, as well as Myles Bryant. Although The Patriots lost J.C. Jackson in free agency, the depth rolling into 2022 is well-rounded.

Safties (5)

*Devin McCourty

*Kyle Dugger

Adrain Phillps

Jabrill Peppers

Joshua Bledsoe

Bill Belichick called the safeties the strongest position group on the team, and it’s hard to doubt him. The Patriots acquired Peppers in April, and he will look to return punts when he is recovered from his ACL injury.

Special teams (5)

*Nick Folk

*Jake Baily

*Joe Cardona

*Matthew Slater

*Brendon Schooler

Brendon Schooler is the only surprise who has caught the attention of many during camp. With Bethel leaving, Schooler is set to take over the gunner role. Nick Folk is in the prime of his career, surprisingly, at the age of 37.

Practice squad

RB Kevin Harris

RB JJ Taylor

WR Tre Nixon

WR LJ Humphrey

WR Laquon Treadwell

TE Matt Sokol

TE Jalen Wydermyer

OL Kody Russey

OL James Ferentz (added to active roster 9/6)

OL Bill Murray

DL LaBrayn Ray

DL Jeremiah Pharms

LB Harvey Langi

LB Cameron McGrone

CB Terrance Mitchell

S Brad Hawkins