Patriots

Previewing the 2022 NFL Combine and which prospects the Patriots could target

Utah's Devin Lloyd is just one of several prospects the Patriots will have their eye on at the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine.

Devin Lloyd Patriots
Utah linebacker Devin Lloyd, a potential target for the Patriots in the beginning round of the typhoon, will exam at the NFL Combine this week. (AP Photo/George Frey)

This calendar week, scores of college football game's top prospects will once again show teams what they've got at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, and the Patriots, equally usual, volition become an up-close look at a few future members of their squad.

The combine returns subsequently the COVID-nineteen pandemic cancelled terminal yr'south event, forcing teams and prospects to rely on pro day workouts for measurements and testing. Of course, the pandemic isn't even so over at this point in 2022, significant at that place will be some precautions taken at this year's combine that weren't there before. (Later a potential cold-shoulder, even so, there won't be an NFL-mode "bubble" for prospects.)

Conditioning schedules volition also be more compressed than in years by, with position groups doing measurements, testing exercises, and on-field workouts all in the same 24-hour interval.

One thing that probably won't change, though: don't expect to see Neb Belichick or anyone from the Patriots doing many press appearances even as representatives from other teams talk to the media on Tuesday and Wednesday. Belichick typically stays abroad from the media during the combine, aside from the occasional cameo in the NFL Network booth.

On-field workouts volition begin on Thursday, with quarterbacks, tight ends and receivers taking the field showtime and defensive backs finishing things up on Sunday.

Fortunately, the Patriots don't accept to worry about the quarterback position this time around with Mac Jones well rewarding their investment with the No. 15 overall selection last draft.

Having quarterback figured out leaves New England able to focus on upgrading other key positions with dynamic young talent. Nearly mock drafts propose Nib Belichick could (and should) target receiver, cornerback and linebacker with early picks in the draft.

In detail, a deep wide receiver class could give the team difference-making options both at the No. 21 overall pick and on Day 2. Previously unattainable Alabama wideouts like Jameson Williams and John Metchie might fall to New England's pick because of knee injuries suffered during the flavor, while Ohio State's Chris Olave could exist a borderline tin can't-miss pick if he savage to No. 21. The status of Williams'southward and Metchie's medicals at the combine, along with how Olave tests, could decide whether they'll be available for New England in the showtime round.

Also, the uncertain future at linebacker beyond the board has drawn a lot of eyes toward the likes of Devin Lloyd, Christian Harris, and Chad Muma as possible Patriots. Lloyd might be the best all-around linebacker in the draft, only some mock drafts have hinted he could exist had at No. 21 — unless he blows teams out of the water with his testing this calendar week.

Just the credible radio silence coming from the Patriots in regards to J.C. Jackson might brand cornerback the most intriguing position to lookout. If New England elected to allow Jackson walk instead of either tagging him or extending him, it would create a massive hole at cornerback a veteran gratis-agent signing most certainly couldn't make full completely. Only even if Jackson did stay for a year in the tag, the Patriots almost have to set up for life without him by drafting a corner early.

Draftniks have predicted players like Clemson'southward Andrew Booth Jr., Florida's Kaiir Elam and Washington'south Kyler Gordon could exist solid options for the Patriots in the early rounds.

Media Schedule

Tuesday, March 1: NFL caput coaches and executives

Wednesday, March 2: NFL head coaches and executives; Quarterbacks, tight ends, wide receivers

Thursday, March 3: Offensive linemen, running backs

Friday, March iv: Defensive linemen, linebackers

Saturday, March 5: Defensive backs

Workout Schedule

Thursday, March 3: Quarterbacks, tight ends, wide receivers

Friday, March 4: Offensive linemen, running backs

Saturday, March five: Defensive linemen, linebackers

Sunday, March vi: Defensive backs

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