The Patriots’ 2022 draft class is looking like a complete disaster

COMMENTARY

The Patriots’ decision to release cornerback Jack Jones on Monday marks a disappointing end to a promising defenseman’s tenure in Foxborough amid a dip in performance, reported rule violations and legal troubles.

It also serves as the latest indictment that the Patriots’ 2022 draft class will be a complete disaster for a team in desperate need of internal talent and affordable assets.

New England’s putrid 2-8 start to the 2023 season is the byproduct of several shortcomings of the organization that has been building for years. You can point the finger at a series of devastating injuries, Mac Jones’ regression, Bill Belichick’s roster construction, a coaching carousel and much more.

But years of poor drafting from Belichick and his staff have hampered New England’s ability to replenish this roster with key contributors.

These scents have been happening since the final years of Tom Brady’s tenure in Foxborough – with names like Isaiah Wynn, N’Keal Harry, Jordan Richards, Cyrus Jones, Duke Dawson, Tyquan Thronton, Joejuan Williams, Chase Winovich, Devin Asiasi and Dalton Keene Moans of Patriots fans expecting impact players through the draft.

But with Jack Jones cut from the roster, New England’s 2022 draft class is starting to stand out from an already mediocre pack of poor draft selections from Belichick.

In total, the Patriots selected 10 players during the 2022 NFL Draft, with Belichick and Co. wanted to further strengthen a New England team after a 10-7 season, playoff appearance and a Pro-Bowl campaign from rookie QB Mac Jones.

But much like Mac Jones’ own career trajectory in New England, it hasn’t taken long for the value of the Patriots’ 2022 draft class to plummet — with more than half of those 10 players either cut or traded from the active roster.

In the wake of Jack Jones’ release, here’s a quick look at New England’s 2022 draft selections and where they are just a year and a half into their respective NFL careers.

Round 1, pick 29: G Cole Strange

Belichick and the Patriots received some criticism for taking Strange in the 2022 first round, with an AFC executive telling The Boston Globes Ben Volin that she expected the Chattanooga guard to go 2-4 in rounds.

Strange improved as his rookie season continued in 2022, offering hope that an internal group of him, Mike Onwenu (right guard) and veteran David Andrews (center) could help keep the wallet clean for Jones in the years to come.

The 2023 season has been more of a struggle for Strange, who was injured during training camp and has been unable to find consistency in his play. According to Pro Football FocusStrange ranks 42nd out of 82 qualified guards so far this year.

Round 2, pick 50: WR Tyquan Thornton

The Patriots hoped a speedster like Thornton from Baylor would give New England a much-needed vertical threat on offense.

Whether it’s injuries or his mistakes in execution, Thornton is looking more and more like a complete failure on a Patriots roster currently experiencing a shortage of proven playmakers.

After hauling in just 22 catches for 247 yards in 2022, Thornton has caught just three passes for 15 total yards this season.

The wideout opened the year on injured reserve due to a shoulder ailment, but has now made 15 appearances in the past four weeks. Even with players like Kendrick Bourne and DeVante Parker sidelined due to injury, Thornton didn’t play a single snap despite being active against the Colts in Germany.