The New York Jets are entering the 2022 offseason with a ton of resources. They have a lot of salary cap space for free agency and nine draft picks, all in the first five rounds. Two top 10 selections are owned by the Jets following the Jamal Adams trade prior to the 2020 season. The Jets also have two early second-round picks with one coming as a result of the Sam Darnold trade last offseason. In the draft, look for the Jets to bolster their talent in the trenches on both sides of the line. Also, anticipate skill position talented being added around Zach Wilson as he enters his second season.
To help with this mock draft, I used The Draft Network’s mock draft simulator.
Make sure to check out all of our other NFL Team Mock Drafts.
Round 1, Pick 4: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon
It is no secret that the Jets will be looking to improve their pass rush. Thibodeaux is one of the best prospects in the 2022 NFL Draft. If he is available, there is a good chance the Jets would take him. He has the size, speed, power, and athletic ability to be a dominant edge pass rusher. Adding Thibodeaux to a defensive line with Quinnen Williams, Carl Lawson, and John Franklin-Myers would give the Jets an exciting group. Thibodeaux is arguably the best-case scenario for the Jets at pick four.
For more on Thibodeaux, check out our scouting report on him.
Round 1, Pick 10: Kenyon Green, OL, Texas A&M
The Jets add two promising prospects on each side of the trenches in the top 10. For the second year in a row, the Jets draft their potential long-term guard. Adding Green with Alijah Vera-Tucker from last year would set the Jets up for a long time. Green is a relatively safe prospect with his size, strength, athletic ability, and versatility. He can be a difference-maker in the running game and also had success in college as a pass blocker. Green would be a thrilling selection for the Jets with their second first-round pick.
For more on Green, check out our scouting report on him.
Round 2, Pick 35: Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State
After addressing each side of the trenches, the Jets now add playmakers around Wilson. Dotson is a fast receiver who would fit well with the arm strength Wilson possesses. He is also a good blocker, which would give the Jets two at wide receiver with Corey Davis. This is likely the range that Dotson will be selected around. Dotson alongside Elijah Moore would give the Jets a fun young wide receiver duo.
For more on Dotson, check out our scouting report on him.
Round 2, Pick 38: Jaquan Brisker, S, Penn State
Defensively, the Jets have a huge need at safety as they will look to acquire two new players at the position. Brisker is a good prospect who would help out the defense in the box as a strong safety. He is a physical player who can help stop the run, an area where the Jets must get better. Brisker would provide a boost right away for the Jets at safety.
For more on Brisker, check out our scouting report on him.
Round 3, Pick 69: Trey McBride, TE, Colorado State
It was certainly a surprise that McBride was still on the board at this point. Selecting him here would be a no-brainer for the Jets. The team has lacked solid tight end play for a long time. McBride is one of the top prospects at the position in this class. He just completed a productive season as a receiver. In the running game, he can be impactful as a blocker, making him an ideal fit in Mike LaFleur’s offense.
For more on McBride, check out our scouting report on him.
Round 4, Pick 109: Coby Bryant, CB, Cincinnati
In this mock, the Jets continue their approach waiting on corners until day three. Bryant is the underrated Cincinnati cornerback prospect in the draft. He has a ton of size and projects well to the NFL as an outside cornerback, a position of need for the Jets. His ball production over the last two years would bring a significant upgrade to what the Jets have had in terms of forcing turnovers.
For more on Bryant, check out our scouting report on him.
Round 4, Pick 115: Terrel Bernard, LB, Baylor
The Jets will need a second starting linebacker next to C.J. Mosley. Preferably, the new addition can bring some speed, athleticism, and the ability to play in coverage. Bernard would provide just that. He is a solid fourth-round linebacker prospect who has proven some good things as a player. Having Quincy Williams would also allow for Bernard to be eased in early on.
For more on Bernard, check out our scouting report on him.
Round 5, Pick 145: Jerome Ford, RB, Cincinnati
Adding a second running back behind Michael Carter is something the Jets should and will likely address in the draft. Ford is a talented prospect who can offer a lot. He just had a productive 2021 season. As a prospect, Ford is big, fast, powerful, and can help in the passing game as well. He can fit well into a zone running scheme that the Jets run. This would be a good value for the Jets at this point in the draft.
Round 5, Pick 162: Bo Melton, WR, Rutgers
The Jets keep Melton local and continue to acquire skill talent for Wilson. He is a fast, dynamic playmaker who can be successful with the football in his hands. Melton can also offer up return ability, which the Jets may need if they do not re-sign Braxton Berrios. Melton would most importantly provide young depth early on which would be beneficial for Wilson to have at wide receiver.
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