Draft Duds: New England Patriots 2022 Class Fails Miserably
The New England Patriots have already completed one large exodus of their 2019 NFL Draft class this past offseason with the release of former Yodny. Now, with the news of Monday's release of cornerback Jack Jones, the Patriots could be well on their way to purging themselves of the 2022 class.
Losing one entire draft class is bad enough, but two would explain why the Patriots find themselves with a 2-8 record and have them looking destined for a rebuild that is likely to take place without coach Bill Belichick.
So, with the release of Jones, the Patriots have just five of their 10 players from their 2022 class on the 53-man roster, which leads us to the question of where are those other players now?
First Round: Cole Strange, Guard
Still with the Patriots
Compared to the 2019 class, where the Patriots took N'Keal Harry in the first round, who lasted just three seasons in Foxboro, the selection of Strange has worked out, considering he is still on the 53-man roster and, when healthy, has been a starter.
However, after a promising end to his rookie season, Strange hasn't fared quite as many would've hoped in his second season so far. Strange has played in just six of 10 games due to injuries and has allowed 13 quarterback hurries, 18 pressures, and two sacks, per Pro Football Focus.
Second Round: Tyquan Thornton, Receiver
Still with the Patriots
Despite flashing potential in his otherwise lackluster rookie season, the second-year product out of Baylor has rarely featured for the Patriots.
After missing the opening five games of the season due to injury and becoming a healthy scratch for the Patriots Week 8 loss to the Miami Dolphins, Thornton has totaled just three catches for 15 yards in three games.
It is certainly nowhere near the production that fans would've hoped for, especially considering the opportunities he has had with injuries limiting an already slim receiving core.
The former Bear remains with the team despite already garnering the label of being a "bust" from fans.
Third Round: Marcus Jones, Cornerback
Still with the Patriots
The first of two Jones's taken, Marcus remains with the team after a promising rookie season where he not only featured as a defensive back but even as a receiver and returner.
While Jones gave a good account of himself at cornerback, as he even started in four games as a rookie, his value on special teams shined the most. Jones was named first-team All-Pro for his effort as a returner, with his game-winning punt return touchdown against the New York Jets standing out as a highlight.
Yet, like many other players on the roster this season, Jones's season was ended due to injury. The second-year cornerback suffered a torn labrum in the Week 2 loss to the Miami Dolphins.
Fourth Round: Jack Jones, Cornerback
Now: Free Agent
Nov 12, 2023; Frankfurt, Germany; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (1) attempts to catch the ball against New England Patriots cornerback Jack Jones (13) in the first half during an NFL International Series game at Deutsche Bank Park.
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The release of Jones on Monday makes him the first "what-if" of the draft class, as the former USC Trojan did show promise in his rookie season. After being drafted by the Patriots with very little immediate expectations, injuries saw Jones thrown into the deep end as a rookie.
The former Sun Devil started in two of his 13 appearances last season, recording 30 tackles, three for a loss, six passes defended, one forced fumble, and two interceptions.
However, following a suspension that saw him miss the last two games of his rookie season, Jones' time in Foxboro later became mired in trouble as he faced weapons charges from a June arrest at Boston's Logan Airport.
While those charges were eventually dropped, he opened the season on the injury reserve before struggling upon his return, leading to his benching for the first quarter of the loss to the Washington Commanders.
From there, it quickly went downhill as his frustrations over playing time and disengagement with teammates led to him being let go.
Then: Fourth Round: Pierre Strong Jr., Running Back
Now: Cleveland Browns
After serving much of his rookie year on the sidelines due to being behind Rhamondre Stevenson and Damien Harris on the depth chart, this past offseason was Strong's first real chance at establishing himself with the latter's free-agent departure.
However, after a lackluster preseason, the former fourth-round pick was traded to the Cleveland Browns before the start of the season.
Fourth Round: Bailey Zappe, Quarterback
The former Western Kentucky product's time with the Patriots so far can best be described as somewhat of a rollercoaster. After starting his rookie year as the third-string quarterback behind Mac Jones and Brian Hoyer, injuries saw him thrown into action early.
While Zappe fared well in his starts, he couldn't take the job away from Jones last season or even in the offseason. However, following Jones's recent benching in Sunday's loss to the Indianapolis Colts, Zappe could be set for another stint as the starting quarterback.
Sixth Round: Kevin Harris, Running Back
Still with the Patriots (practice squad)
While Strong was traded to the Browns, the former South Carolina Gamecock is still with the Patriots, albeit as a member of the team's practice squad.
Sixth Round: Sam Roberts, Defensive End
Still with the Patriots
After rarely featuring his rookie year, totaling just two tackles in five appearances last season, the former Divison II prospect made the Patriots 53-man roster this season and has four tackles in six games.
Sixth Round: Chasen Hines, Offensive Line
Now: Dolphins practice squad
The former Michigan Wolverine didn't play a single snap for the Patriots in a regular season game as he was a member of the practice squad before being cut this past offseason and signed to the Miami Dolphins practice squad.
Seventh Round: Andrew Stueber
Still with the Patriots (practice squad)
Like Hines, Stueber has yet to play a snap in his season-and-a-half career. However, Stueber was cut by the Patriots before being retained on their practice squad.
