Alabama Football in the NFL 2022 Season Preview: AFC East
By Matt Melton
Mack Wilson – New England Patriots
2021 Stats: 42 tackles
Having spent the first three years of his NFL career in Cleveland, Wilson was however traded by the Browns to the New England Patriots during the offseason, meaning that the former Alabama linebacker enters his first season in the AFC East in 2022.
As for what that first season in New England could look like, Wilson likely enters the year as one of two starting inside linebackers for the Patriots. Assuming he remains the starter as well, Wilson could be set for a career-year, one in which he eclipses his career-high tackle total of 82 from back in 2019.
Christian Barmore – New England Patriots
2021 Stats: 46 tackles, 3 TFL, 1.5 sacks, 2 PD
Similar to Jones previously, Barmore also enters his second NFL season in 2022 with the Patriots, along with the defensive tackle also coming off a strong rookie campaign a year ago.
A key part of New England’s defensive front last season, Barmore likely enters 2022 as the Patriots backup nose tackle, behind only Davon Godchaux on the depth chart. Barmore could potentially develop into a larger role in 2022 as well, with it likely that the former Alabama Football defensive tackle at least matches his stat line from a year ago.