The New York Jets enter the 2022 NFL Draft in a fantastic spot. They already selected their franchise quarterback last year in Zach Wilson. Now they have five of the top 70 picks to build the rest of the team around Wilson.
The Jets are one of six teams to have multiple first-round picks. They will pick twice in the top 10 in a draft in which numerous players could fit their biggest needs. But where might they go in the first round? And where will they pick in every round?
Earlier, we gave you a Jets free agency review.
Now, here is our 2022 New York Jets draft primer:
2022 Draft Picks
- Round 1 (No. 4)
- Round 1 (No. 10)
- Round 2 (No. 35)
- Round 2 (No. 38)
- Round 3 (No. 69)
- Round 4 (No. 111)
- Round 4 (No. 117)
- Round 5 (No. 146)
- Round 5 (No. 163)
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2022 Draft Needs
- Offensive Tackle
- Wide Receiver
- Cornerback
- EDGE Rusher
Jets First Round Pick Odds (#4)
| š Ikem Ekwonu | T | N.C. State | +250 |
| š Evan Neal | T | Alabama | +275 |
| š Ahmad āSauceā Gardner | CB | Cincinnati | +350 |
| š Kayvon Thibodeaux | Edge | Oregon | +375 |
| š Derek Stingley | CB | LSU | +850 |
| š Drake London | WR | USC | +900 |
2022 Draft Fits
The biggest question for the Jets is what they do at No. 4. On paper, they have their two starting offensive tackles in George Fant and Mekhi Becton. However, neither player has proven to be a high-quality starter. Could they still select Evan Neal (Alabama) or Ikem Ekwonu (North Carolina State) at No. 4, given how unreliable Becton has been through the first two years of his career? Itās possible. The Jets have to improve the offensive line around Zach Wilson and both Neal and Ekwonu would be massive upgrades at either tackle spot.
But if the Jets donāt pick an offensive tackle at No. 4, donāt be surprised if they select a pass rusher at that spot. Michiganās Aidan Hutchinson will be off the board, but Kayvon Thibodeaux (Oregon) and Travon Walker (Georgia) could garner some interest from the front office. Thibodeaux is the better pure pass rusher, but Walker's upside is higher; he has rare athleticism and size. Either player would instantly improve their pass rush and would make a lot of sense in Robert Salehās defense.
At pick No. 10, the Jets could go in several directions. They need to address their secondary and could easily pick either Sauce Gardner (Cincinnati) or Derek Stingley (LSU). Both players project as No. 1 cornerbacks in the NFL, and itās likely one, if not both, are available at No. 10.
Keep an eye out on a receiver at No. 10 for New York. The front office understands they need to surround Wilson with more weapons and they could use more size at wide receiver.
WynnBET New York currently lists Ohio Stateās Garrett Wilson at -120 to be the first receiver selected. He figures to be gone by the 10th pick. Drake London (USC), a huge receiver who can make plays down the field, is listed second at -110. Picking him at No. 10 might be a tad early, but this team desperately needs wide receiver help.
If the Jets wait until Round 2 to address their wide receiver need, keep an eye out on George Pickens (Georgia), as he offers similar upside. The Jets also could use one of their two second-round picks on a running back. Breece Hall (Iowa State) would be a solid selection. However, look for general manager Joe Douglas to use Day 2 and Day 3 of the draft to upgrade their depth on defense. The Jets must find more NFL-caliber cornerbacks and they could use more size and speed on the defensive line.
With the Jets having so much draft capital in 2022, they should be able to find multiple starters at key positions. But it's up to Douglas and the rest of the front office to find the right players. This is a huge draft for the Jets as they need to nail these picks if they want to compete in the AFC anytime soon.
Check out our draft preview on the Bills here.
