Alabama Football in the NFL 2022 Season Preview: AFC East
By Matt Melton
Anfernee Jennings – New England Patriots
2021 Stats: DNP (injury)
After missing all of the 2021 season with an injury, Jennings returns for his third season with the Patriots in 2022 in what could a breakout campaign for the former third round pick.
Looking at that season, Jennings is likely to be a rotational piece for New England at outside linebacker, with a starting spot unlikely with Matthew Judon sitting ahead of the former Crimson Tide standout on the depth chart. Still, Jennings is likely set for a career-year in 2022 should he stay healthy, one in which he eclipses his previous career-high of 20 tackles in 2020.
LaBryan Ray – New England Patriots
2021 Stats: NA (was at Alabama)
Alabama Football has multiple former players set to enter their rookie NFL season in 2022, with only one member of that group in Ray coming from the AFC East.
Ray signed with New England as an undrafted free agent during the offseason, joining the Patriots after five seasons at Alabama. Ray could see time with the Patriots this season, but is likely third-or-fourth on the New England depth chart entering the year at defensive end.