New England Patriots 7-Round 2022 NFL Mock Draft: Late Round Finds

New England Patriots 7-Round 2022 NFL Mock Draft

Predicting what the New England Patriots will do during any draft might be the hardest thing in the NFL to try and read. Before we even made it to the first round, the Patriots were wheeling and dealing day three picks, changing the course of any full 7-round 2022 NFL Mock Draft.

It’s one thing to deal first round picks in the week leading up to the draft, but moving a fifth round selection before having any idea who could fall that far is a wild decision, even for Bill Belichick. Yet, we shouldn’t be surprised. It’s what he does.

So now, the Patriots enter the 2022 NFL Draft with nine picks over the seven rounds. They hold one selection each round with three in the sixth. That could change with trading back, something we’ve watch Belicheck do in the past, but as of now this is where the Patriots stand. But what could they use those picks on?

New England Patriots 7-Round 2022 NFL Mock Draft: Round 1, Pick 21

If there’s such thing as an obvious Bill Belichick pick, this could be it. Devin Lloyd is one the best talents in the 2022 NFL Draft, but the linebacker position isn’t as valued as it once was. That means that the top talent here could be pushed down boards, setting up for a steal late in the first round.

The Patriots have yet to truly find a replacement for Dont’a Hightower. I like the addition of Mack Wilson from Cleveland, but Wilson can’t be the main linebacker on a team. He’s a great supporting player, but New England still needs to find a lead. That’s where Lloyd comes in.

Lloyd can play all over the field in different roles and knows how to fill the stat sheet. Whether it’s stopping the run, rushing the passer or dropping back in coverage, he can do it all well and consistently. Lloyd is a budding star and stepping into this New England defense should give him the opportunity to become one of the league’s best.