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The New England Patriots added some talent during the 2022 NFL Draft who should have a fantasy impact for this upcoming season. Before we dive into what impact these rookies could have on the Patriots in 2022, let’s look back at last season.
When it comes to fantasy football last season, Damien Harris and Hunter Henry were the top options for the Patriots. Harris recorded 929 yards on the ground and 15 scores (career-highs) and added 132 receiving yards. Henry made plays inside the red zone last year with 50 receptions for 603 yards and nine touchdowns (career-high).
The Patriots added to their wide receiver core by acquiring veteran DeVante Parker in a trade from the Miami Dolphins. Parker will one of New England’s starting wideouts this season and be one of Mac Jones’ top targets in the passing game.
Patriots 2022 Draft selections
No. 29 (via KC): Cole Strange, OG, Chattanooga
No. 50: Tyquan Thornton, WR, Baylor
No. 85: Marcus Jones, CB, Houston
No. 121 (via KC): Jack Jones, CB, Arizona State
No. 127: Pierre Strong Jr., RB, South Dakota State
No. 137: Bailey Zappe, QB, Western Kentucky
No. 183: Kevin Harris, RB, South Carolina
No. 200: Sam Roberts, DT, Northwest Missouri State
No. 210: Chasen Hines, OG, LSU
No. 245: Andrew Stueber, OG, Michigan
Fantasy football impact
The 6’2 receiver is headed to New England. Tyquan Thornton led Baylor last year with 62 receptions and ten touchdowns. Thornton will bring physicality and speed with him to the Patriots. He will line up alongside DeVante Parker and Jakobi Meyers.
His speed makes him a deep threat and a “big play” receiver. Thornton will flash at times but will likely be an inconsistent fantasy receiver this upcoming season. His biggest upside will be his scoring potential with the other receivers on this roster.
The Pats added more running back depth in the fourth round with the addition of Pierre Strong Jr. We’ll see how much he’ll be rotated in and if he can become a viable fantasy option.
Later in the fourth round, they made an interesting selection by taking WKU quarterback Bailey Zappe. He set single season FBS records in passing yards and touchdowns last season and was thought of as a mid-round pick. He’ll be sitting squarely behind Mac Jones but you never know what personnel decision Bill Bellichick can make.