Sportscasting

● By Brandon Austin
After a down 2020 season, the New England Patriots bounced back in 2021, finishing with a 10-7 record and playoff berth. However, Bill Belichick’s squad suffered an early exit, getting blown out by the Buffalo Bills in the Wild Card Round. New England has been quiet during the offseason and must make its picks count during the 2022 NFL Draft. The Patriots have multiple needs to address if they want to take the next step in the second season with Mac Jones under center. Wide receiver always seems to be a position of need in New England. Belichick and the front office must also account for the losses of cornerback J.C. Jackson, linebacker Kyle Van Noy, and offensive lineman Shaq Mason. Here’s how the Patriots could approach the first four rounds of the upcoming draft.