2022 NFL Mock Draft (FINAL) | Top 21-25 features Bill Belichick targeting J.C. Jackson replacement

This is the fourth installment of my 2022 NFL Mock Draft (FINAL) based on where each team currently is slated to pick (no trades).

Please keep in mind, my mocks are based on how I actually see the draft unfolding (based on analytics) & NOT whether or not I would select that player.

I’ll be breaking down the first-round of the draft in increments of 5-10 picks.

Please feel free to spread the word and share/like/comment as we grow our BEASTwriter+ Newsletter Community, I wouldn’t be here without you. Mahalo :)

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New England Patriots | R1 (No. 21)

• My Pick | CB Kaiir Elam

• My hit-rate on Belichick R1 draft picks | 0/5 (0%)

Analysis:

Although I have yet to hit on a Belichick pick--the last four R1 predictions have been spot on, as I got the position correct but not the player.

Let’s see if we can change that this year.

The Patriots lost CB J.C. Jackson in free-agency and Belichick loves replenishing Pro Bowl talent with versatile DBs from the SEC.

I covered three of CB Kaiir Elam’s games in 2021--despite a knee sprain suffered vs Alabama. In the three games graded, Elam showed toughness, heart, and movement skills to play at the next level.

At 6-2, 191, 4.39 (40-time), Elam has the NFL traits you look for in a boundary CB. He understands leverage, splits, and is smart enough to adjust to plays on the fly similar to a gap replace concept upfront.

He is a perfect fit for Belichick and while 2019 R2 (No. 45) CB Joejuan Williams has played admirably as Jackson’s spot-duty in 2021, more talent is needed opposite of CB Jalen Mills.

Give me CB Kaiir Elam, as he has the movement skills and football savvy to win under Belichick’s tutelage.