The New York Jets have a special opportunity in the 2022 NFL Draft. They own nine total picks, all in the first five rounds of the draft. Two top 10 selections are owned by the Jets at fourth and 10th overall. They also have picks 35 and 38, giving them four total in the top 38 picks. The 10th pick comes as a result of the Jamal Adams trade from the summer of 2020. Pick 38 is from the Carolina Panthers as a result of the Sam Darnold trade last offseason. The Jets utilized their great cap space to address needs with good football players in free agency. Most notably they signed D.J. Reed, Laken Tomlinson, Tyler Conklin, C.J. Uzomah, and Jordan Whitehead.
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
The best route the Jets can go with the fourth pick of the draft is selecting Thibodeaux, the star edge defender. In the Jets’ defensive scheme, winning with the front four is crucial. Thibodeaux is a talented pass rusher on the edge with size and speed. He is explosive off the snap and has an impressive 10-yard split time to prove that. Adding Thibodeaux opposite of Carl Lawson with Quinnen Williams and John Franklin-Myers on the inside would give the Jets a great pass rush up front.
For more on Thibodeaux, check out our scouting report on him.
Round 1, Pick 10: Drake London, WR, USC
The Jets get their needed starting wide receiver here in London. He provides a big frame for Zach Wilson as he looks to make a year two jump. London can win contested catch situations, runs good routes, can be used in the slot and on the outside, and wins with strength after the catch. London and second-year wide receiver Elijah Moore could potentially give the Jets two long-term starters at the position. This also helps Corey Davis, as he will not get as much attention from opposing defenses.
For more on London, check out our scouting report on him.
Round 2, Pick 35: Travis Jones, DL, UConn
This offseason, the Jets lost a core player in Folorunso Fatukasi. Here, they address their run-stopping nose tackle need in Jones. He is a great talent who fits the Jets attacking front as a one-gap interior pass rusher and run defender. Adding a tremendous player in Jones to a defensive front with Thibodeaux, Lawson, Williams, and Franklin-Myers would be an exciting starting group for the Jets. Jones projects to be a good NFL player.
For more on Jones, check out our scouting report on him.
Round 2, Pick 38: Kyler Gordon, CB, Washington
The Jets continue to add youth to their cornerback group with Gordon. He had a successful 2021 season which has put him toward the top of the cornerback group in this year’s class. Gordon can thrive in both man and zone coverage. He is a gifted athlete. Adding him with Reed, Bryce Hall, Michael Carter II, Brandin Echols, and Javelin Guidry would give the Jets a solid cornerback group. Gordon is a good young prospect with upside.
For more on Gordon, check out our scouting report on him.
Round 3, Pick 69: Nick Cross, S, Maryland
More help for the defense comes in a talented free safety prospect. Cross had a successful college career and projects well to the pros. He has blazing speed which allows him to cover a lot of ground with his range on the back end. Cross can be successful in man coverage too. He had recorded ball production in college. It would be exciting to add Cross with Whitehead in the same offseason as they are both young players and could be the starting safety duo for years to come for the Jets.
Round 4, Pick 111: Jelani Woods, TE, Virginia
The Jets did a promising job in free agency signing two tight ends in Conklin and Uzomah. A third player at the position is still needed. Woods is a rare athlete with good 2021 production. His special athleticism gives Woods the upside to grow into a great NFL player. He can win in the passing game with his speed. A tight end group of Conklin, Uzomah, and Woods would be a huge upgrade for Wilson and Mike LaFleur.
For more on Woods, check out our scouting report on him.
Round 4, Pick 117: Matt Waletzko, OT, North Dakota
Right now, the Jets have two starting offensive tackles to feel great about in George Fant and Mekhi Becton. After them though, the depth at the position is a major concern. Waletzko is a great athlete. At offensive tackle, it always helps to be gifted with athletic ability. It makes him a fit in the Jets’ zone running scheme. Waletzko had success in college. He proved good things as a pass blocker. Waletzko would upgrade the backup offensive tackle group for the Jets.
Round 5, Pick 146: Pierre Strong, RB, South Dakota State
The Jets have a promising young starter at running back in Michael Carter. This offseason, the team re-signed Tevin Coleman who is a reliable third running back. Adding Strong to be the long-term No. 2 to Carter would be great. Strong has big-play threat ability with his speed, a needed trait in LaFleur’s offense. He provides some size as well. His college career was a success. Strong would be awesome for the Jets at this point.
Round 5, Pick 163: Reggie Roberson, WR, SMU
A second wide receiver is likely to be added by the Jets later on in the draft. In Roberson, needed speed and deep-threat ability are brought to the offense. It meshes perfectly with the arm strength Wilson has. Roberson can be eased-in early on behind Moore, London, Davis, and Braxton Berrios. He attained success throughout college. If he can stay healthy, he has the potential to be a solid contributor. The vertical ability Roberson provides would be fantastic for the Jets to get here.
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