Patriots Rookie Class: Disrespected In Rankings?
After a disappointing 8-9 record and missing the postseason, the New England Patriots and their young talent left a lot to be desired in 2022. However, multiple first-year contributors provided highlights (including a bit of a quarterback controversy) in a forgettable season.
The youth movement is strong in the NFL, with multiple rookies making major impacts in crucial moments. Unsurprisingly, the New York Jets had the best rookie class, according to NFL.com, with rookies Sauce Gardner and Garrett Wilson each earning a Rookie of the Year Honor.
How does the Patriots rookie class compare? New England's 2022 class ranked No. 31 of the 32 teams. Here is what NFL.com said of the Patriots' rookies:
First-rounder Cole Strange was a much-maligned pick at the time. He started all 17 games, and though Strange was benched briefly a few times, he appeared to be stronger by season's end.
Two DBs stepped up for New England. Marcus Jones beat the Jets with a walk-off punt-return TD and made eye-opening plays on offense, defense and special teams. Jack Jones had a pair of picks and flashed early, but a late-season suspension dampened his forecast a bit.
After that, this rookie class has a wait-and-see quality, but it might never be a special group. Tyquan Thornton's deep ability could be unleashed more under Bill O'Brien, so it's hard to judge him too critically. RBs Pierre Strong Jr. and Kevin Harris remain projects with some upside but some questions. Zappe's relief appearances showed he could at least be a quality backup, but is there more than that?
The Patriots have a quality starter in Strange, who looks to make a second-year leap under new offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien. Watching how New England continues to utilize Jones' do-it-all talents will be fun. Zappe kept the Patriots season afloat, which he can build on in year two as backup to Mac Jones.
The Patriots are currently scouting the NFL Combine in search of bettering their next class. The combine runs until March 6 in Indianapolis at Lucas Oil Stadium. Former Alabama quarterback Bryce Young is the favorite (-175) to be drafted No. 1 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft.
The Chicago Bears own the first pick, however, there are multiple quarterback-needy teams who may desire to trade up. The draft will take place at Union Station in Kansas City with the first round beginning on April 27.
New England currently has eight picks in the draft, including No. 14 overall.
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