While the New England Patriots embark on another journey to the playoffs, the NFL Draft is not far behind. Bill Belichick is the team’s head coach and de facto general manager — all roster decisions go through him. As one of the greatest defensive minds to ever grace the gridiron, he knows New England will have to target cornerbacks in the 2022 NFL Draft. Here are some CBs we think could make a lasting impact in Foxborough.
Why the Patriots should target cornerback in the 2022 NFL Draft
Before delving into the various corners the Patriots should target, it’s important to note why they should even look at the position. New England shipped CB Stephon Gilmore to the Panthers for a 2023 sixth-rounder. While that is one of the more lopsided trades on paper, the Pats were reportedly going to release the four-time Pro Bowler if a trade wasn’t reached.
Gilmore was recovering from offseason surgery on a partially torn quad. Both sides agreed to part ways after the star defender declined to restructure his current contract.
As a result, J.C. Jackson became the team’s CB1, with Jalen Mills starting on the opposite hash. Jonathan Jones occupied the slot until a shoulder injury cut his season short. The only other CB to receive significant snaps on the outside is Joejuan Williams.
In his four years in the NFL, Jackson has hauled in an astonishing 24 interceptions — 7 of which coming this season. However, he will be a free agent this offseason and likely command a hefty contract. Even if the Patriots keep him in-house, Jones, Williams, and Myles Bryant are all slated to be undrafted free agents next year. Thus, selecting at least one quality corner in the 2022 NFL Draft is a must for New England.
Round 1 cornerbacks in the 2022 NFL Draft
Currently, the Patriots are projected to have the 29th overall pick. Fortunately for them, there are a plethora of CBs worthy of a first-round selection. So by supply and demand, there should be a few stellar options still on the board when New England is on the clock.
Ahmad Gardner, Cincinnati
First up is Cincinnati’s Ahmad Gardner. Famously, Gardner has not allowed a single touchdown in his collegiate career. He’s been targeted less and less with each passing season as opposing offenses don’t want to test him. On 134 career targets, he allowed just 42.5% to be caught and pulled down 9 INTs. At 6’3″ and 200 pounds, Gardner fits Belichick’s mold of larger outside corners.
Trent McDuffie, Washington
Trent McDuffie would buck that same mold, but his sure-tackling and instincts are too good to pass up. The Washington corner is a smooth mover with exceptional leaping ability. He rarely gets beat, is dependable in run support, and possesses some of the best mirroring in the class.
Roger McCreary, Auburn
A name that some fans may not know, Roger McCreary owns Round 1 talent. He’s been battle-tested in the SEC as a three-year starter. McCreary’s route recognition is excellent, especially paired with his acceleration. He won’t produce a ton of highlight-reel plays, but his steadiness is what truly matters at the NFL level.
Potential Day 2 cornerbacks New England should target in the 2022 NFL Draft
The first round gets all the hype, but Day 2 is where teams find exceptional value.
Cornerbacks to target in Rounds 2-3
If the Patriots decide to skip the position with their first pick, who should they target with their second and third-round selections?
Kyler Gordon, Washington
McDuffie isn’t the only member of Washington’s secondary that could hear his name called early in the 2022 NFL Draft. Kyler Gordon may not have the name recognition as his teammate, but he is also immensely talented.
He doesn’t have the same amount of tape as other CBs in the class, but what he has put on film is worthy of a top-100 pick. Gordon is physical, has solid ball skills, and owns the requisite size to hold his own in the pros.
Martin Emerson, Mississippi State
At 6’2″ and 200 pounds, Martin Emerson easily checks the size box. He isn’t a high-end athlete, but he doesn’t have to be with his frame and length. The Bulldogs CB suffered a bit of a down season compared to his 2020 breakout campaign, but he still allowed a solid 58% completion rate this year. His feel in zone is impressive, as is his processing speed. Emerson is the type of corner Belichick would love on the outside.
Marcus Jones, Houston
Day 2 may seem a bit high for some, but Marcus Jones is not just an electric kick returner — though his versatility is a plus. At 5’8″ and 185 pounds, Jones has to win with his athleticism, technique, and ability to read the field.
He’s shown strength through the catch point, never giving up on a play. Additionally, he can read the eyes of opposing quarterbacks while maintaining leverage on his man. His size will presumably force him into the slot, but seeing the field shouldn’t be a problem with how much nickel and dime packages are utilized in today’s NFL.
Derion Kendrick, Georgia
Derion Kendrick has been a bit of a forgotten name in Georgia’s suffocating defense in 2021. Yet, he is silky smooth on the backend with a versatile skill set that can fit various schemes — insert the Belichick with binoculars meme.
Kendrick played wide receiver full time just three seasons ago, and his ball skills and route recognition have translated nicely to the defensive side of the ball. Moreover, his ball tracking, physicality, and all-around skill set make for a perfect pairing in New England.
Other cornerbacks the New England Patriots should consider targeting in Rounds 4-7: Coby Bryant, Cincinnati; Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson, TCU; Mykael Wright, Oregon; Jermaine Waller, Virginia Tech; Akayleb Evans, Missouri; Zyon McCollum, Sam Houston State; Jaylen Watson, Washington State; Decobie Durant, South Carolina State.