With the 2022 NFL Draft finally here, teams' general strategies are finalized, or they're at least close. The New York Jets figure to be one of the most-watched teams on Draft Day, considering their surplus of early picks and the various needs on the roster. The Jets have the chance to put together an incredibly talented core for the future, should they make the most of their early draft capital. With that in mind, here are some bold predictions on how the Jets will play their hand in the 2022 NFL Draft.
After yet another dismal season in New York, the Jets could truly be finding the groundwork for a successful step forward in 2022. This draft will be crucial for the team's future outlook, and with a plethora of needs to address, each pick will be critical. The team has obvious needs at wide receiver, in the secondary, on the defensive line, and at linebacker, and could still stand to further improve at running back and on the offensive line.
Pretty much, everywhere except the quarterback position is in need of some sort of buff. Tight end has become less of a need following the C.J. Uzomah signing, and while the team added DJ Reed and Jordan Whitehead to the secondary, there's still work to be done.
With all that in mind, here are our Jets predictions for the 2022 NFL Draft.
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Jets Predictions for the 2022 NFL Draft
3. New York grabs a DB at No. 4 overall
The Jets have been linked to a laundry list of players with the fourth overall pick, but adding a playmaker on the defense remains one of their top priorities. At No. 4 overall, the Jets would likely have their pick of the litter when it comes to drafting a defensive back. Notre Dame's Kyle Hamilton and Cincinnati's Sauce Gardner are two of the best players in the secondary in this class, and adding either one would be a big boost for the Jets defense.
It remains to be seen which DB the Jets are higher on, and they have needs at both cornerback and safety, so both players would represent positional fits. Derek Stingley Jr. also deserves a mention as a possibility for this choice, though he seems a less likely choice. Regardless of who the pick ends up being, the Jets could very well address a significant need on the defense early in the draft.
2. Jets wait until Round 2 for a WR
The Jets have largely been linked to another offensive playmaker to line up opposite Elijah Moore. Getting weapons for Zach Wilson remains a key focus for the Jets ahead of the draft, and while they've been linked to explosive talents such as Drake London, Chris Olave, and more, we're predicting New York to hold off on the position until the mid-rounds. There are some tantalizing mid-round receiving options the Jets could look at, which would also allow them more flexibility at pick No. 10, in case a trade possibility emerges or a defensive lineman falls into their laps.
Some potential picks in the second round include North Dakota State's Christian Watson, Western Michigan's Skyy Moore, Penn State's Jahan Dotson, and Georgia's George Pickens.
1. Jets trade 10th pick for a star WR
The Jets have been rumored to be in the market for a star wide receiver. They were in play for Tyreek Hill before he burned them for Miami, and have since seen links emerge to DK Metcalf, A.J. Brown, and Deebo Samuel. The Jets could use the 10th pick in the draft in order to get a proven playmaker for the offense, adding a star talent such as Metcalf to help with Wilson's development. The Seahawks, who were the original owners of the 10th pick, will need to hand the star wideout an extension after this season, unless of course, they opt to deal him to the Jets, who would happily ink him to a long-term contract.
A trade will almost certainly be explored with the 10th pick, but whether or not the Jets pull the trigger and move for a star player remains to be seen. With wideout a major area of need, acquiring a proven star at the position makes a lot of sense.
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