Sunday, May 8, 2022

Don't Sleep On The Patriots 2022 Draft Class.

The Patriots reached in the draft. The Patriots didn't get the best value for their picks. The Patriots draft picks are garbage. I could go on and on with the negatives being said about this year's draft class. I must ask though, are the Patriots draft picks underrated? I went looking to see what people who thought the 2022 Patriots draft picks were sleepers or underrated had to say. Hopefully this will change people's minds about them.

Let's start with Cole Strange the Patriots first round pick.

Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report thought he was underrated. Here's some of what Ballentine wrote.

"The 23-year-old is a small school prospect who has done well for himself in the pre-draft process. He posted a 9.95 out of 10 relative athletic score, giving him the seventh-highest score for a guard since 1987, per Kent Lee Platte. 
Despite being just 307 pounds, Strange is a mauler in the run game and has the athleticism to continue developing as a pass-blocker."

And Bleacher Report added, "Overall, Strange has the frame, athletic ability, play strength and competitive toughness to be considered a high-level backup at multiple positions across the line, with starter potential over his first few seasons at guard. He will need refinement to handle himself in isolated situations as a pass protector in the NFL and to learn how to more efficiently win back leverage as a run-blocker, but he has shown that he can dominate FCS competition, and his power and tenacity translated against a major bump up in competition against Kentucky as well as at the Senior Bowl."

If you want a second opinion, column writer David Wyatt-Hupton also thought Strange was underrated. 

Wyatt-Hupton wrote, "Statistically, Strange was one of the most dominant linemen in the FCS last season. He earned an overall grade of 86.3 at Pro Football Focus, the best among FCS guards.

Over four years and 582 pass-blocking snaps in college, Strange allowed a single sack and 13 pressures. That’s a pressure allowed every 44.7 pass-blocking snaps. His pass-blocking efficiency (via Pro Football Focus) was 99.0 in 2021. I don’t need to tell you that number is elite (the maximum PBE is 100.0)."

Wyatt-Hupton also wrote pre draft, "Strange can come in and provide immediate depth across the three interior line positions, but would be ready to play in a starting role come year two in my opinion."

Tyquan Thornton the receiver from the second round.

TJ Scott of sports illustrated wrote, "In a deep receiver class with a lot of top-end talent, Tyquan Thornton is someone with those top-end traits that can be drafted at a more valuable position. The 6-foot-2 burner from Baylor plays with great speed and fluidity, can separate at any level of the route and has quick feet considering his length. Despite only weighing 181 pounds, Thornton catches well in traffic and plays well through contact, especially at the catch point on deep passes and contested catches."

Scott continued, "Thornton is a versatile and unique receiver prospect. He can give you big, explosive plays with speed and can be a reliable target over the middle."

CBS's Chris Trapasso said, "Major sleeper at WR. Not just 4.28 fast. Runs crisp, well-sold routes. Very natural hands catcher. Snatches the ball away from his frame effortlessly. This is precisely what the Patriots needed offensively. Spindly though. Not costly to move up."

Marcus Jones corner round three.

Brian Martin Cowboys's writer wrote, "At just 5’8”, 174-pounds, Jones doesn’t pass the eye test of a prototypical NFL player. But, what he lacks in size he more than makes up for in athleticism, speed, physicality, and play-making ability. This is someone who can be a Deion Sanders-like triple threat as a receiver, cornerback, and return man if used correctly, but even if not, he can be a Pro Bowl-caliber return man.

During his time at Houston, the Cougars coaching staff really tried to tap into everything Jones could give them. He was not only their dynamic weapon in the return game, but he was also the starting cornerback, playing inside and out, and was used as a receiver in the passing game as well, averaging 10.9 yards per reception and scoring one touchdown. But, where he’s likely to make his money in the NFL is as a kick/punt returner."

Adam Carter wrote, "The highest graded cornerback in college football over the past two seasons is Houston standout Marcus Jones. Over those 972 snaps, Jones has posted an 89.9 PFF grade in run defense and a coverage grade of 91.4 which is the second highest of any corner over the past two years. Moreover, Jones only committed 4 penalties over those two years, which is fewer than top corners Roger McCreary and Sauce Gardner. 

In addition to the upside he has as a coverage corner, Marcus Jones is as good a return man as college football has seen. His ability in the return game rivals that of Antonio Brown at Central Michigan. In Jones’ freshman year he returned 30 kicks for 879 yards and 29.3 yards per return with 3 scores. In Brown’s freshman year he had 40 returns for over 1000 yards, but averaged over 3 fewer yards a return and only had 1 score. Over his 4 year career at Troy and Houston, Jones accumulated 2,075 kick return yards with 28.4 yards per return and 6 total scores. He’s also briefly spent time taking handoffs and has even played slot receiver, where had 51 receiving yards in a game against Rice. Jones is a loose athlete who can change direction at any speed that also has the acceleration to get away from defenders on his returns. Having a player who has the potential to be an NFL cornerback and elite returner makes Jones an intriguing talent with high potential."

Jack Jones corner round four.

Jeremiah Bogan wrote, "He has elite fluidity with very loose hips that flip seamlessly and allow him to show very good burst out of transitions. Jones wastes no movement with his footwork when in his back pedal or driving downhill on the ball. His elite short area quickness and change of direction skills serve him well on the outside despite the possibility of being moved to the nickel at the next level."

Brandon Martinez wrote, "Jones had a very good senior season for the Sun Devils, finishing with 41 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, one sack, three interceptions, including one for a touchdown, six pass deflections, and three forced fumbles."

Martinez continued, "Jones has inside-outside versatility and could be a solid depth pick in the late rounds. With some development, he could be a solid special teams contributor or even a decent slot corner."

Pierre Strong running back round four.

Fox sports's Robert Rang wrote, "In precisely 4.37 seconds, this small-school star proved that while his last name is Strong, his greatest attribute is speed. Of course, savvy scouts knew that already, given that he has 15 runs of 40-plus yards in his career, which resulted in an eye-popping 4,527 yards and 40 scores overall."

"How recruiters missed on Strong is perplexing, given that he led McClellan High to the 5A state title by running for 2,345 yards and 32 touchdowns. Perhaps it's because he was then just 180 pounds, and his brilliant high school career ended abruptly when he suffered a hairline fracture in his right collarbone during the playoffs his senior year. Don’t expect NFL teams to make the same mistake."

Tyler Posey wrote, "Coming out of South Dakota State, Pierre Strong Jr. had an extremely successful college career albeit against FCS competition. Still, Strong shows great promise to be an NFL running back. He posted a 1686-yard final season, leading the FCS in yards while punching in 18 touchdowns. He also grabbed 22 catches for 150 yards. With his top-end speed, great burst, and ability to find the running lane he is a true home run threat with the ball. Strong is an excellent north and south runner and is an above-average cutter to get himself to the next level. Strong has the speed and size of an NFL running back and a team will be getting a good prospect late in the draft. He has the ability to be a good committee back right away and is likely be an injury away from leading an NFL backfield."

Bailey Zappe quarterback round four.

Crissy Floyd of the draft network wrote, "Zappe had a chance to prove his doubters wrong and continue to make a case for himself at the Reese’s Senior Bowl. He had some difficulty during the first practice with some short and intermediate passes at several points but looked entirely like himself after the first day. That proved he could hang in another type of offense, under different coaches, with an entirely different group of players, going up against some of the best defensive prospects in the nation."

Floyd continued, "Whatever team ends up drafting Zappe is getting a well-developed, well-experienced passer who does have some ability to move and has maintained a high level of consistency throughout his career. Zappe has laid about as solid of a foundation as one could ask for from a quarterback and considering that he’s mostly projected in the middle or later rounds, he’s going to be a high-value pick at that place on the board."

Johan Anderson of Draft Dive wrote, "Bailey Zappe is a stud. I love a quarterback who takes a small underdog school and competes with much larger programs, just like Nathan Enderle used to do. Zappe puts the ball where it needs to be, his accuracy is excellent. I love the way he escapes pressure and moves behind the line of scrimmage looking to throw the ball downfield. He throws a great ball on the run. Everyone is underestimating Zappe, but it seems like they’ve done that his entire life and all he does is rise to the occasion."

Anderson continued, "There’s an easy Bailey Zappe NFL comparison for me to make. A 6’1” athletic quarterback who puts up ridiculous numbers in college who doesn’t have the strongest arm? That’s Case Keenum. I expect Zappe to be the Case Keenum who led the Vikings to the NFC Championship game. A strong leader who finds a way to make plays. Just for argument’s sake, let’s say he’s not the best version of Case Keenum. Finding a valuable 10 year backup late on day 3 or as an undrafted free agent is incredible value. Bailey Zappe should be on an NFL roster next year, if he’s not, shame on NFL scouting department."

Kevin Harris running back round six.

Bobby Bishop wrote, "Kevin Harris is a sleeper in the NFL Draft that not many draft analysts are talking about. Personally, I think he’s one of the top five most talented backs in the draft, but injuries are holding him back. Harris should enter 2022 as a second or third-string RB on a depth chart depending on the landing spot. When injuries occur, and Harris gets his opportunity at the next level, he will always do: break tackles and gain yards. Make sure you target Harris during the late rounds of your rookie draft."

Sports Illustrated wrote, "This Gamecock running back tore up the SEC this past season, leading the conference in rushing yards. His ability to break tackles and see the field as soon as the ball is snapped is unique. Defenders take a beating trying to tackle this bowling ball for four quarters a game. His ability on third down will need to improve for him to a bell cow in the NFL. At the next level, Harris could be a lead back taking on a big workload and winning at the goalline."

Sam Roberts defensive tackle round six. Roberts may just be the first pick that wasn't viewed as a sleeper. 

Wayne Cavadi of NCAA.com wrote, Any defender from a Rich Wright-coached defense is one to watch, but Roberts was extra spectacular. The 2021 Cliff Harris Award winner — given annually to the best defender in small college football — was the MIAA player of the year as well. He recorded 18.5 tackles for a loss to go along with 6.5 sacks in his final year. Listed at 6-foot-5 and 292 pounds, Roberts is athletic and explosive off the defensive line. 

Tony Pauline wrote: "Roberts is a small-school defensive line prospect I’ve watched since 2019, and he shows the ability to control the line of scrimmage. He’s a long athlete with growth potential, which must be met to have a spot at the next level."

Chasen Hines Offensive Linemen six round.

Sports Illustrated wrote, "Compact guard with a thick lower half who possesses good foot speed and agility. Hines is a great drive blocker as he can create movement up-front. His anchor is strong. He is inconsistent technically and lacks length. Hines projects as a backup guard who can also play center early on in his career before becoming a solid starter by his second or third season with improved technique."

Tony Pauline of Bleacher Report wrote, "Hines presented himself as a serious Day 2 prospect in 2020. However, his play regressed last season. He possesses the size and style to be used at guard or center, though Hines must really get his game back on track."

Andrew Stueber offensive lineman round seven.

Erik Schlitt wrote. "Stueber has always been a solid pass protector but his contributions in the running game haven’t been at an NFL level. He has made a strong effort to develop those skills this season and has done enough to warrant a role as a reserve swing offensive lineman in the NFL who is capable of playing at right tackle or at guard. He’s a project with upside."

Dave Zangaro of NBC wrote, "The big Wolverines OL (6-6, 325) played right tackle in college but could be a better guard in the NFL. Steuber had an ACL tear in 2019 but came back as a starter and grew into a draft pick."

John Vogel wrote, "Stueber, too, isn’t very experienced, logging his first six starts in the 2020 season. He has a lot of room to grow as well. He’s still a little bit reluctant to pass off a defender in a zone scheme, which will come in time with more reps. I like what I saw as a run blocker, and I think there’s an excellent chance he’s valued early with the size and strength he possesses."

Here's the thing, with exception to Roberts, the rest of the Patriots draft picks had people who thought they were underrated or sleeper prospects. And they were either projected by these people as starters or high quality backups. That's the thing and Belichick will put them inyo4 the best position to succeed outside of Thorton. Sure the Patriots may have to do some coaching to get them into NFL game shape but that's their job. Don't sleep on this class because they're not big names or because the experts that gave the Patriots an A for N'keal Harry's draft are giving this draft a C-.

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