4 Patriots rookies to watch at training camp

The New England Patriots had an eventful 2022 draft, and now it’s time see what they are made of. With the Patriots looking to contend in the AFC East, they will need rookies to step up, as the organization lost some big-timepieces over the course of the off-season.

In particular, the offensive line and quarterback positions are going to have huge question marks attached with them. The Patriots did address those issues during the draft. Now, it is going to be about player development, and making sure that development leads to production. In some instances, the production will need to be immediate.

We take a look at four rookies to watch over the course of training camp, as the next wave of talent looks to make its mark.

WR Tyquan Thornton

(AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

Thornton, the former Baylor star, has a chance to make an impact for the Patriots in the passing game. However, the wide receiver room is crowded.

The Patriots have a number of solid wideouts in Kendrick Bourne, Jakobi Meyer, DeVante Parker and Nelson Agholor. They also have complementary pieces such as Tre Nixon and Ty Montgomery.

For Thornton, it’s not about skill. We know it is there. It’s about where he will fit in a crowded room. With so many solid veterans at the position, it will be intriguing to see exactly what type of role the speedster will have. He will be an interesting rookie to watch, as he looks to make a name for himself.

CB Jack Jones

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Corner Jack Jones has been generating a buzz over the past couple of weeks. The Patriots need somebody to emerge at the secondary position, as they look to fill the void left by J.C. Jackson

Currently, the Patriots have Jalen Mills and Malcolm Butler as the main headliners at the corner spot. They also have slot corners Jonathan Jones, Myles Bryant and Joejuan Williams at the position as well. The rookie should take on more of a role on the outside.

Mills has a good chance of being the top corner on the right side for New England. Beyond that,  depth is scarce. This could lead to an opening for Jones, and allow him to be able to make an impact in his first season with the organizations. He is in a position where the Patriots need him to develop sooner rather than later. Failure to do so could be trouble for the secondary.

RB Pierre Strong Jr,

Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA…