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Day 3 of the NFL 2022 Draft Live: Patriots wrap up 10-player draft class

The Patriots wrapped up the 2022 NFL Draft with a ten player draft class on Friday. The Patriots added depth to the offensive line (three picks), cornerback position (two picks) and running back position (two picks). There was a surprise (a quarterback) and a Division-II standout as well.

Here’s a look at the Patriots 2022 Draft picks.

First Round, pick 29: OG Cole Strange, Chattanooga

Second Round, pick 50: WR Tyquan Thornton, Baylor

Third Round, pick 85: CB Marcus Jones, Houston

Fourth Round, pick 121: CB Jack Jones, Arizona State

Fourth Round, pick 127: RB Pierre Strong, South Dakota State

Fourth Round, pick 137: QB Bailey Zappe, Western Kentucky

Sixth Round, pick 183: RB Kevin Harris, South Carolina

Sixth Round, pick 200: DT Sam Roberts, Northwest Missouri

Sixth Round, pick 210: G Chasen Hines, LSU

Seventh Round, pick 245: OT Andrew Stueber, Michgian

Patriots wrap up draft class with OT Andrew Stueber

With their final pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, the Patriots once again added to their offensive line depth by selecting tackle Andrew Stueber from Michigan. This marks their third offensive lineman in their 2022 draft class. Stueber joins first-round pick Cole Strange and sixth-round selection Chasen Hines.

Photos: Meet Cole Strange, Bailey Zappe and the rest of the Patriots 2022 draft picks

A native of Darien, Conn., Stueber has great size at 6-foot-7, 325 pounds. He mainly started at right tackle for Michigan, starting 20 games. Stueber also started two games at right guard. Last season, Stueber was a captain and earned All-American and All-Big-Ten first team honors as a right tackle.

The Patriots came into this draft clearly looking to add more depth on their offensive line. Stueber will compete for a backup tackle spot alongside Justin Herron, Yodny Cajuste, Yasir Durant and Will Sherman. His versatility and ability to play guard could also factor into him trying to earn a roster spot.

National Team offensive lineman Andrew Stueber of Michigan and offensive lineman Cole Strange of UT-Chattanooga run through drills during practice for the Reese's Senior Bowl Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2022, in Mobile, Ala.
National Team offensive lineman Andrew Stueber of Michigan and offensive lineman Cole Strange of UT-Chattanooga run through drills during practice for the Reese's Senior Bowl Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2022, in Mobile, Ala.

Patriots draft G/C Chasen Hines in Round 6

The Patriots added more depth to their offensive line on Saturday by drafting LSU guard Chase Hines with pick 210 in the sixth round.

Hines is the second interior offensive lineman in this draft, joining first-round pick Cole Strange. He’ll bring versatility to New England, too. Hines came to LSU as a defensive lineman before transitioning to offensive line. He was a backup left guard as a freshman, where he started one game. Hine then was LSU’s backup center in 2019. He then started at right guard for the team over the past two seasons, starting 16 games at that position.

“I can’t wait to show New England what I got,” said Hines. “In college, I played all three – left guard, center and right guard. It’s whatever I can do that’s best for the team… It really doesn’t matter to me as long as I can contribute to wins.”

Hines is a big guy – he stands at 6-foot-2 and played at 350 pounds last season. He did cut down to 327 pounds at the NFL Combine. That made him the third heaviest interior offensive line prospect in Indy. He’ll come to the Patriots looking to provide depth at guard and center. Hines will compete with the likes of Will Sherman, Drew Desjarlais, Arlington Hambright and James Ferentz for a roster spot.

Hines said he’s a Tom Brady fan and has looked up to former Patriots starting guard Shaq Mason.

“As I got older and started learning the position, guys like Shaq Mason, I started watching in high school a lot,” said Hines. “And in college at the right guard position. We kind of that same similar built, how strong he was and how he played, that was one of the players I watched early in college.”

National Team offensive lineman Cole Strange of Tennessee-Chattanooga (69) and National Team offensive lineman Chasen Hines of LSU (67) in an NCAA college football game Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
National Team offensive lineman Cole Strange of Tennessee-Chattanooga (69) and National Team offensive lineman Chasen Hines of LSU (67) in an NCAA college football game Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Patriots draft DT Sam Roberts in Round 6

The Patriots dipped into the Division-II ranks with the hopes of finding a hidden gem when they drafted defensive tackle Sam Roberts out of Northwest Missouri State with pick 200 in the sixth round.

Roberts was one of the best small-school prospects in the draft. Last season, he earned the 2021 Cliff Harris Award, which is given to the best small-college defensive player in the nation. The 6-foot-4, 293 pounder finished with 6.5 sacks, 61 tackles, 18 tackles for loss and a forced fumble. Roberts was the MIAA Defensive Player of the Year.

Roberts, who was a captain, was also a force on special teams where he blocked five kicks (three field goals and two extra point attempts in his career. He finished his collegiate career with 184 tackles, 47 tackles for loss and 18.5 sacks.

The Patriots saw Roberts up close at the Hula Bowl and the East-West Shrine game.

This isn’t the first time the Patriots dipped into the Division-II ranks as they drafted Kyle Dugger (Lenoir-Rhyne) in 2020. Dugger won the Cliff Harris Award in 2019.

Patriots draft RB Kevin Harris in Round 6

The Patriots will have plenty of competition at running back this season.

With the 183rd pick in the sixth round, the Patriots selected South Carolina running back Kevin Harris. This marks their second running back drafted today after they took Pierre Strong in the fourth round.

Harris ran for 660 yards with four touchdowns last season, which was his junior year. His production was down from an outstanding sophomore year when he led the SEC in rushing with 1,138 yards and 15 touchdowns. Harris averaged 113.8 rushing yards per game that season, but had back surgery the next year. That’s why his numbers are down. Perhaps, the Patriots found a diamond in the rough.

Harris said he didn't practice at all in the spring or summer due to the surgery.

“Really, getting back to full speed, it was just – I don’t want to say rough path – but it was getting more comfortable playing again because I didn’t do anything the whole offseason,” said Harris. “Then you get thrown in the fire.”

At this moment, the Patriots have a ton of competition in their running back room. Harris joins Damien Harris, Rhamondre Stevenson, James White, Strong, Ty Montgomery, J.J. Taylor and Devine Ozigbo. Damien Harris enters this season on a contract year and White is coming off a season-ending injury.

Harris is considered a strong north-south runner with great ball security. He fumbled just one time in 358 carries at South Carolina. He said he's hoping to show everyone he's the same running back who led the SEC in rushing as a sophomore.

“I’m eager. Definitely. You have to wait and see,” said Harris.

Mayo Bowl: South Carolina running back Kevin Harris (20) picks his way through North Carolina's defense during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. South Carolina won the game, 38-21.
Mayo Bowl: South Carolina running back Kevin Harris (20) picks his way through North Carolina's defense during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. South Carolina won the game, 38-21.

Patriots draft QB Bailey Zappe in Round 4

In what was another surprise, the Patriots added another quarterback in the NFL Draft.

On Friday, the team selected Western Kentucky quarterback Bailey Zappe with pick 137 in the fourth round. Zappe put up ridiculous numbers in college. Last season, he threw for 5,967 passing yards to go with 62 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

“I’m actually here at home in Victoria, Texas, where I’ve been born and raised. I was hanging out with family when I got the call,” Zappe said. “Just hearing about it, seeing it on TV was surreal. It’s a dream come true for me throughout this whole process. I’m really excited to get up there and get to work.”

Zappe spent his first four seasons at Houston Baptist before transferring to Western Kentucky. He’s a bit undersized at 6-foot, 215 pounds but set FBS single-season records in passing yards and passing touchdowns last season. He profiles as a long-term NFL backup and spot starter.

This marks the second-straight year that the Patriots drafted a quarterback after selecting Mac Jones in the first round last season. Zappe becomes the fourth quarterback on the roster and will battle with Brian Hoyer and Jarrett Stidham for the top backup role on the Patriots.

“(Jones is) a phenomenal quarterback, a great QB – as the rest of the QBs (are) in that room,” said Bailey. I’m looking forward to learning from all three of those guys, getting up there to meet them and do as much as I can to help the team. I’m really excited for this opportunity.”

This move shouldn’t be looked at as a slight on Jones. Instead, this is about building depth at the most important position on the Patriots’ roster. Hoyer turns 37-years-old this season and Stidham enters this year in the final year of his contract, so although the Pats have numbers at quarterback, they didn’t have much long-term depth outside of their starter.

By adding Zappe, it’s more than likely that Stidham’s days in New England are numbered. The best case scenario here is that the Patriots found themselves a long-term back for Jones, but in the event that Zappe shows starter ability, he could also become a trade chip down the line.

American Team quarterback Bailey Zappe of Western Kentucky runs through drills during practice for the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2022, in Mobile, Ala.
American Team quarterback Bailey Zappe of Western Kentucky runs through drills during practice for the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2022, in Mobile, Ala.

“I’m going to come to work every day the same as I did the day before and get 1% better. That’s the kind of way I look at it,” Zappe said. “You don’t really worry about the naysayers and the critics. The Patriots believe in me – the coaches, players and organization as a whole believed in me. Those are the guys that I’m going to try to prove right – that this pick was the right one.”

Patriots draft RB Pierre Strong in Round 4

On Day 3 of the 2022 NFL Draft, the Patriots continued to get faster on offense. With their second fourth-round pick, the team selected South Dakota State running back Pierre Strong with the 127th pick.

Strong is one of the fastest backs in this draft after running a 4.37 40-yard dash at the 2022 NFL Draft. He had an outstanding career in South Dakota where he was a two-time captain and ran for 4,527 yards in four years. Strong earned All-American honors all four years he was in college. He also caught 62 passes for 581 yards and three touchdowns.

“A life long dream come true – just to hear coach Belichick’s voice. I’ve known him since I was a kid, so it was just a blessing,” Strong said. “I’m more so a do anything for the team kind of guy. Anything helping the team out any way I can – out of the backfield, special teams – that’s just my style. I’m just willing to help a team win a Super Bowl and that’s just me.”

Strong ran for 1,686 yards with 18 touchdowns last season. He averaged 7.0 yards per carry and finished his collegiate career averaging 7.2 yards per carry.

FILE - South Dakota State running back Pierre Strong runs with the ball during an NCAA football game against Minnesota, Aug. 29, 2019, in Minneapolis. Strong was selected to The Associated Press FCS All-America team. (AP Photo/Andy Clayton- King, File)
FILE - South Dakota State running back Pierre Strong runs with the ball during an NCAA football game against Minnesota, Aug. 29, 2019, in Minneapolis. Strong was selected to The Associated Press FCS All-America team. (AP Photo/Andy Clayton- King, File)

For the Patriots, running back was a sneaky need. The team lost Brandon Bolden in free agency and James White is coming off a season-ending injury. The Pats need to find their next third down back. Strong could be that guy. However, there’s also Damien Harris who is entering this season in the final year of his contract.

Strong adds more competition to an already deep depth running back depth chart. He joins Harris, Rhamondre Stevenson, White, Ty Montgomery, J.J. Taylor and Devine Ozigbo. It’ll be fascinating to see how that all shakes out in Foxboro.

“I’ve seen Damien Harris run the ball. I like the downhill running about the guys (on the team),” Strong said. “They’re going to run the ball. You might know it’s coming, but can you stop it? So, I’m just ready to get to work with those guys. I feel like I can compliment them very well.”

Patriots draft add secondary depth in fourth round

The Patriots came into this draft in need of more cornerback depth. After adding Marcus Jones in Round 3, the team added another prospect by selecting Arizona State cornerback Jack Jones with the 121st pick in the fourth round.

“My initially reaction was I was shocked,” said Jones. “ I was happy. I was at a loss for words. I didn’t know what to say.”

Jones is a talented outside cornerback who had 39 pass breakups and 10 interceptions in his collegiate career. However, he did have off-field trouble, which is why he was expected to fall in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Jones initially went to USC and as a sophomore in 2017 he led the Trojans with four interceptions. However, he was ruled academically ineligible and then arrested after breaking into a restaurant. Jones was dismissed from the school as he pleaded guilty to second-degree misdemeanor charge of commercial burglary. That led Jones to Moorpark College where he got his grades back on track and enrolled at Arizona State.

Arizona State defensive back Jack Jones (0) celebrates a defensive stop against Southern Utah during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Arizona State defensive back Jack Jones (0) celebrates a defensive stop against Southern Utah during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Jones said he's looking to move forward from his past troubles.

“I’m going to focus on my job and I’m going to control what I can control,” said Jones. “Going forward, I’m looking to be the best teammate I can be and help the Patriots out any way that I can...

“I learned from it (the arrest). I’m looking forward to moving forward. I’m not worried about the past. I’m working on the present.”

In 2019, he finished with three interceptions and 16 passes defended. However, the next season, he was suspended for a violation of team rules and only played in one game. Jones rebounded last year where he earned Honorable Mention All-Pac-12 honors.

This pick isn’t a surprise – the Providence Journal mocked Jones to the Pats on April 15 – because Jones was one of the most-well connected prospects to the Pats in this draft. The team clearly did their homework on this cornerback by hosting him on a pre-draft visit, watching him at his Pro Day and then traveling to Arizona State for an in-person meeting with Jones.

Jones will add depth to the outside cornerback position along with Malcolm Butler, Terrance Williams, Jalen Mills, Shaun Wade and Joejuan Williams.

"I just go out there and play every play like it's my last," said Jones.

Patriots look to reload after getting faster on Day 2

The Patriots added two dynamic players on Day 2 of the 2022 NFL Draft.

As you’ll read below, the Pats traded up in the second round to select receiver Tyquan Thornton out of Baylor. He’s the fastest receiver in this draft, running a 4.28 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. Thorton will add some much-needed speed to the Patriots offense.

In the third round, the Patriots drafted the most versatile player in college football in cornerback Marcus Jones out of Houston. Jones earned the 2021 Paul Hornung Award winner given to college football's most versatile player. He earned that award by earning All-American honors as a cornerback and returner. He tied the NCAA record with nine-career return touchdowns. Jones also played receiver, where he caught a touchdown pass last season.

Patriots director of player personnel Matt Groh said the Patriots wanted to get more speed on their roster and accomplished that on Friday.

The first rounder: Patriots select Cole Strange, offensive lineman from Chattanooga, with first-round draft pick

“You’ve got to consider what the player does and how the player is going to help you. You want to get tougher? You better get tough guys. You want to get faster? You better get fast guys,” Groh said. “And I don’t know how many guys out there are faster than Tyquan, so we’re really excited to add him and his explosive playmaking. He is fast. To be able to get some toughness and athleticism on the first night (with Cole Strange) and I think these other two guys – Tyquon and Marcus Jones – they’re certainly tough guys, too, but at their positions, the skill positions, they are fast.”

"...Really excited to have two picks here tonight and add speed in all three phases (offense, defense and special teams)."

The Pats had one final third-round pick, but opted to trade out of the round. They sent their 94th pick to the Carolina Panthers for a fourth rounder (137 overall) and a 2023 third-round pick. The Pats were without a third rounder next season after trading it for DeVante Parker.

The Pats resume Saturday with seven picks:

4th round: Overall pick 121

4th round: Overall pick 127

4th round: Overall pick 136

6th round: Overall pick 183

6th round: Overall pick 200

6th round: Overall pick 210

7th round: Overall pick 245

Patriots fill two needs by drafting Marcus Jones

With their first pick in the third round, the Patriots added one of the most dynamic and versatile players in college football by drafting Houston cornerback Marcus Jones with the 85th pick.

Jones looks like a 5-foot-8 prototypical slot cornerback, but he was much more in college. Last season, he was named the 2021 Paul Hornung Award winner given to the most versatile player in the nation. Jones earned that honor while making All-American honors as a cornerback and returner. He also played receiver last season.

“My first initially thought was it was a dream come true to be in a situation to be in a certain percentage of being in the NFL. That was a surreal moment,” Jones said. “I’m here with my parents and have a lot of family down… It’s definitely a dream come true.”

“Primarily a corner – inside, outside – with his playmaking ability, trying to get the ball in his hands, you’re talking about a team in Houston… that had really good teams there and put up a lot of points,” added Groh. “This guy was dynamic enough that they take one of their best players on defense and put him on offense and then put him back there on punt returns and kick returners.”

FILE - Houston's Marcus Jones (8) in action during the second half of an NCAA college football against Temple, Nov. 13, 2021, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
FILE - Houston's Marcus Jones (8) in action during the second half of an NCAA college football against Temple, Nov. 13, 2021, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)

Jones brings plenty of versatility to Foxboro. Last season, he played inside and outside cornerback where he finished with 18 pass breakups and five interceptions. Jones added two punt return touchdowns and two kickoff return touchdowns. As a returner, Jones tied the NCAA record with nine-career return touchdowns (six kickoff return and three punt return).

On offense, as a receiver, he caught 10 passes for 109 yards with a touchdown. He actually scored touchdowns in four different ways – interception return, reception, kickoff return and punt return.

“In high school, I played a lot of positions – wherever they wanted me at,” Jones said. “Over time, whenever I played, coached would ask me what I would be down for and however I can help the team is what I was always down for. Whether coach wanted me to be offense, I’ll do that to help the team, or defense, I’ll do that to help the team.”

Jones started his career at Troy University where he earned All-American honors as a true freshman as a kickoff returner. He transferred to Houston in 2019 and played there for the past two seasons.

Jones certainly fits a few needs for the Patriots. He’ll add depth to the cornerback position and could backup slot cornerback Jonathan Jones. The Pats also lost All-Pro punt returner Gunner Olszewski, who signed with Pittsburgh, and the Patriots have added one of the best returners in college football.

Jones had a pre-draft visit with the Patriots and said he'll help the team anyway coaches ask.

"When I'm in New England, wherever they need me to be - it's the same way," said Jones. "It's the same mindset. Whether that's outside (corner), inside (corner) or at safety whatever - however I can help the team."

Patriots draft Baylor WR Tyquan Thornton in Round 2

The Patriots offense just got a lot faster.

On Friday night, Bill Belichick got aggressive in the second round, moving up to draft wide receiver Tyquan Thornton from Baylor with the 50th overall selection. The Patriots traded their 54th pick along with pick 158 to select the fastest receiver in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Thornton, who stands 6-foot-2 ran the fastest 40-yard dash time at the 2022 NFL Combine at a blistering 4.28. An elite high school sprinter, he had a track and field scholarship offer at LSU, but chose football. At Baylor, Thornton became an elite X-receiver. Last season, he finished with 62 receptions, 948 yards and 10 touchdowns. He earned Second Team All-Big 12 honors.

Thornton said he was in Miami with his family when he got the call.

“Getting the phone call from the New England Patriots, it was a dream come true,” Thornton said. “Seeing my family smile and everyone cheering, my heart was racing. It was a feeling I’ve never felt before.”

Thornton will join a veteran-laden receiver group in New England with DeVante Parker, Jakobi Meyers, Kendrick Bourne, Nelson Agholor, N’Keal Harry, Kristian Wilkerson, Tre Nixon and Malcolm Perry. With Agholor in the last year of his contract, Thornton could be Patriots future starter at outside receiver.

"This isn’t just a linear guy," said Groh. "You see him really get off the line and for as fast as he is… to be able to see him get in the red zone and do some things and it’s not just speed. It’s 6’2, ability to get up and really pluck the ball out of the air. So there’s going to be a lot of different things that he’s going to be able to do to help."

Thornton took a pre-draft visit with the Patriots at Gillette Stadium this offseason where he met with the offensive coaches. As for his initial impression on Bill Belichick, the receiver said, "Oh man, I love him already... I'm very excited to get to work with him, come in every day, learn my job and I'm ready to compete."

The receiver said he started watching Mac Jones a couple years ago when the quarterback was at Alabama. "He's a stud," said Thornton. "He plays at a high level. He's a great quarterback and I'm excited to get to work with him."

Nov 13, 2021; Waco, Texas, USA; Baylor Bears wide receiver Tyquan Thornton (9) tries to elude Oklahoma Sooners safety Delarrin Turner-Yell (32) during the second half at McLane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2021; Waco, Texas, USA; Baylor Bears wide receiver Tyquan Thornton (9) tries to elude Oklahoma Sooners safety Delarrin Turner-Yell (32) during the second half at McLane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

With the NFL getting faster, the Patriots join the race with the selection of Thornton. This offseason, the Miami Dolphins added Tyreek Hill to join Jaylen Waddle. Many people thought the Patriots would respond by adding more speed on the defensive end. Instead, they turn to Thornton in the hopes of finally drafting their own wide receiver.

The history here for the Pats isn’t kind. Thornton is the first receiver drafted in the first two rounds since Harry (32nd overall in 2019). That draft saw the Patriots bypass star receivers such as Deebo Samuel, A.J., DK Metcalf and Terry McLaurin in favor of Harry, who has yet to catch on. The last time the Patriots drafted a receiver in the second round, it was Aaron Dobson, who was selected ahead of Keenan Allen. Other Round 2 receivers in the Belichick era are Chad Jackson (2006), Bethel Johnson (2002) and Deion Branch (2002).

The Patriots drafted Thornton after receivers Christian Watson (Green Bay), Wan'Dale Robinson (New York Giants) and John Metchie III (Houston) were taken in the second round. They picked Thornton over George Pickens (Pittsburgh), Alec Pierce (Indianapolis) and Skyy Moore (Kansas City) selected in three of the next four picks.

As for whom Thornton models his game after, the receiver said he aims to emulate one of the best in the NFL.

"I try to model my game after Davante Adams," said Thornton. "I just love how he creates separate at the top of the route and at the line of scrimmage as well. I try to mimic that a little bit with my releases and route running as well - while adding speed to it."

Here's who the Patriots could target

The Patriots still have plenty of work to do as the NFL Draft resumes tonight at 7 p.m. with rounds two and three. The Pats are scheduled to pick at 54 overall in Round 2 and then again at 85 overall and 94 overall in Round 3. This draft is said to be deep and if the Patriots play their cards right, they could land three impact players tonight.

Here are some of the best available players:

Nakobe Dean, linebacker, Georgia

Dean is an undersized, but athletic linebacker. He was a popular Patriots mock draft selection in the first round. He was given the Butkus Award for the nation’s top linebacker.

Andrew Booth Jr., cornerback, Clemson

Booth is one of the best cornerbacks in this draft class. He’s dealt with some injuries, which is why he fell out of the first round. He finished with three interceptions last season.

NFL draft best available players: Malik Willis, Nakobe Dean highlight Day 2 options

Kyler Gordon, cornerback, Washington

Gordon is a very athletic 5-foot-11 cornerback. He led Washington in pass breakups (nine) and interceptions (two) last season. He would add some much-needed athleticism to the Patriots.

Christian Watson, receiver, North Dakota State

Watson is a great athlete at 6-foot-4, but he’s raw coming from a smaller school. He finished with 43 catches for 801 yards last season.

Who is Cole Strange?: Meet the offensive lineman from Chattanooga

Travis Jones, defensive tackle, Connecticut

Jones led UConn in sacks (4.5) last season. He’s considered a great athlete for someone who is 6-foot-4 and weighs 325 pounds. It would be fun seeing him play next to Christian Bamore.

Chad Muma, linebacker, Wyoming

Muma seems like a Patriots fit. He’s an athletic 6’2 linebacker who earn All-American honors last season after making 142 tackles and three interceptions. He’s a two-time captain who also blocked a field goal in 2021.

Leo Chenal, linebacker, Wisconsin

Chenal is more of a throwback linebacker at 6-foot-2, 250 pounds. He’s a great athlete and had a fantastic career at Wisconsin where he was the Big Ten Linebacker of the Year.

Christian Harris, linebacker, Alabama

If the Patriots are looking to get faster on defense, Harris would fit the bill. He’s undersized at 6-foot, 226 pounds, but he’s a linebacker who could drop into coverage.

John Metchie, receiver, Alabama

Patriots fans would be pleased if the team drafted Metchie. He was a standout receiver at Alabama, catching 96 passes for 1,142 yards. Metchie played with Mac Jones in 2020.

Troy Anderson, linebacker, Montana

Anderson is a fun story. He played running back and quarterback at Montana. He transitioned to linebacker and was an All-American last season, finishing with 147 tackles and two interceptions.

Josh Paschal, edge rusher, Kentucky

Paschal screams prototypical Patriot. He was a three-time captain at Kentucky. He also played two punts and a field goal. The edge rusher finished with 53 tackles and 5.5 sacks last season.

New England Patriots draft picks 2022: Round-by-round selections

Patriots look to fill more needs after a busy Round 1

The 2022 NFL Draft is off and running.

On Thursday night, things got a bit wild as Tennessee traded start receiver AJ Brown to Philadelphia and Baltimore traded their top receiver Marquise Brown to Arizona. Both deals involved first-round picks.

The Patriots also got into the trade action, sending their 21st overall pick to the Kansas City Chiefs for pick 29 in the first round, a third rounder (94 overall) and a fourth rounder (121 overall). The Pats then selected offensive guard Cole Strange out of Chattanooga with their first-round pick.

Strange immediately crosses off one of the Patriots biggest needs after they traded starting right guard Shaq Mason and lost starting left guard Ted Karras in free agency. However, the Pats have plenty of needs entering Day 2 of the NFL Draft. They still need to get faster on defense and have needs at cornerback, linebacker and edge rusher. On offense, they could use more depth at tackle, wide receiver and even another pass-catching running back.

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FILE - Chattanooga offensive lineman Cole Strange runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine March 4, 2022, in Indianapolis. Strange was selected by the New England Patriots during the NFL draft Thursday, April 28. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings, File)
FILE - Chattanooga offensive lineman Cole Strange runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine March 4, 2022, in Indianapolis. Strange was selected by the New England Patriots during the NFL draft Thursday, April 28. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings, File)

We’ll have you updated with everything as it unfolds on Day 2 and then Day 3 of this draft. The Patriots are currently scheduled to have three picks on Friday – No. 54 in the second round, No. 85 in the third round and No. 94 in the third round.

Patriots shocked Rams coach Sean McVay with Cole Strange pick

Pundits and analysts have expressed their surprise that the Patriots made University of Chattanooga offensive lineman Cole Strange a first-round draft pick at No. 29 overall.

You can count Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay among those shocked by the pick.

McVay and Rams General Manager Les Sneed were speaking to the press when he saw the pick and his reaction has drawn plenty of attention.

"How about that! And we wasted our time watching him thinking he'd be at 104, maybe," the Super Bowl 56 winner quipped during a Rams press conference when Strange was selected by the Patriots.

LOL (literally): Rams coach Sean McVay couldn't believe this draft pick

Patriots coach Bill Belichick said he felt the Patriots needed to grab Strange when they did, saying, the OL "wouldn't have lasted much longer" on the board."

"Cole fits well into our scheme and our system," Belichick said, "and obviously, we think he's a good player."

— Jace Evans, USAToday

What does Belichick say about their next draft picks

"We'll go back (Friday), we'll restack our board just like we did a few hours ago going into the first round," Bill Belichick said. "We'll take a look at the projected draft order and so forth and who's around us. As you said, we have a number of picks, so we probably have some flexibility with what we could do over the next two days, different than what we had a few hours ago going into the draft, and try to see what our options are.

"I'm sure we'll hear from other teams or have some type of communication with other teams, and maybe that factors into what we do or maybe it doesn't. We'll have to wait and see what that is and how it presents itself."

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What draft picks do the Patriots have remaining?

2nd round: Overall pick 54

3rd round: Overall pick 85

3rd round: Overall pick 94

4th round: Overall pick 121

4th round: Overall pick 127

5th round: Overall pick 158

6th round: Overall pick 183

6th round: Overall pick 200

6th round: Overall pick 210

7th round: Overall pick 245

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Patriots' NFL 2022 Draft Day 3 what's next after Strange pick: Live