NFL Team Report – New York Jets
New York Jets – 4-13 – GM Joe Douglas / Head Coach Robert Saleh – 2nd Year
Key Team Needs: 1. CB 2. Edge 3. WR 4. S 5. OL
1st Round Picks – #4 & #10 selections – 9 total picks
1. Cornerback – Jets finished with the worst overall defense in the league. Their pass defense was horrible despite some young defenders showing promise. They have made many additions in the draft and FA over the past three years with marginal results. With 9 overall selections, they could address both corner and safety a few times again this year. They probably have a chance to select the top corner at the 4th overall in Gardner or Stingley. Both could be available at the 10th selection, though most likely one is gone. They had one of the best safety duos in the game in Jamal Adams and Marcus Maye before an Adams trade and Maye FA loss terminated it. Young corners, Bryce Hall, Brandin Echols and Michael Carter showed interesting potential for their packages, though not the top cover outside man needed. They could draft into this strong class with a few top selections. They will give Kyler Gordon or Kaiir Elam consideration with one of their 2nd round choices.
NFL Team Report – 35 Pages – Available Now
Newsletters available now / Special Deluxe Package
NFL Draft Yearbook 2022 -250 In-depth Scouting Reports
Top 300+ Rankings, 7 Round Mock Draft / Player Comparison
2. Edge – The Jets anxiously wait for the return of vet Carl Lawson who was injured in training camp after showing strong edge rushing. He is counted on as a main presence in their front seven. In his absence, the Jets lacked playmakers and were among the worst in the league in pressuring the passer. In a strong edge class, they have this a high priority and most likely addressed with one of their top two selections. They are debating Travon Walker, Kayvon Thibodeaux and Jermaine Johnson with their first selection. They like David Ojabo who is falling off an injury and could slide to the early 2nd round where he would be great value at #35.
- Wide Receiver – The Jets passing game ranked near the bottom of the league. Their receiving corps worked with rookie starting QB Zach Wilson who showed promise over a tough first year learning curve. Rookie wideout Elijah Moore showed big play ability and became a favorite of Wilson. Veteran FA signee Corey Davis had periods, though limited production and struggled with injuries. They lost Jamison Crowder in FA, but like Braxton Berrios for the slot role. Denzel Mims has been a major disappointment over his two seasons and faces a critical camp to define his role in this offense. They need more here and could address this twice with at least one a prime selection. They hope to draft a prospect with one of their top picks and like Garrett Wilson at the 10th selection. They also like Carl Pickens and Christian Watson in the 2nd round.
Jets – Short List Players
1st Round Prospects – #4 & #10
Kyle Hamilton S Notre Dame
Ahmad Gardner CB Cincinnati
Kayvon Thibodeaux DE Oregon
Travon Walker DE Georgia
Derek Stingley CB LSU
2nd Day Prospects
2nd Round – #35 & #38
Kyler Gordon CB Washington
Christian Watson WR North Dakota St
David Ojabo DE Michigan
Breece Hall RB Iowa State
George Pickens WR Georgia
3rd Round
Nik Bonitto OLB Oklahoma
Cam Jurgins OL Nebraska
Jelani Woods TE Virginia
Jaquan Brisker S Penn State
Insiders’ Insights
The Jets have been 13-36 during Joe Douglas’s three seasons. He has directed two draft classes with minimal results from the 2020 group. LT Becton, wideout Mims, safety Davis and edge Zuniga all face a tough camp where they have to step up and produce. Last year’s class was a strong group in their initial season. QB Wilson holds the key and shows the talent to take the next step. Rookies, guard Vera-Tucker and Moore were excellent additions for the offense. Runner Michael Carter is a fine 1A type and fine addition. They will continue to build around Wilson. He has new FA tight end CJ Uzomah after the Jets had a season with virtually no production there. Uzomah is an excellent middle zone target. They will look to Connor McGovern to solidify the pivot. LT Mekhi Becton must prove durable and consistent after missing 16 games his first two seasons. Running back is another major need despite Carter. They like Breece Hall with the 35th selection. GM Douglas signed guard Laken Tomlinson and safety Jordan Whithead to address need areas, in addition to Uzomah. Mike backer CJ Mosley had an outstanding performance. They will pursue an edge defender after another subpar performance rushing the passer. They have not had a double-digit sack defender since 2015. Offense has pressing issues at running back and wide receiver which are earmarked with early round additions. Douglas had an aggressive FA plan and added a few quality changes. Jets hold five of the top 69 picks and 7 of the top 117 selections.
1st Round #4 Pick – Ahmad Gardner – Rare passer will be on the big stage from Day one.
Alternate Pick – Kayvon Thibodeaux – Fast edge rusher can make a difference.
1st Round #10 Pick – Kyle Hamilton – Rare passer will be on the big stage from Day one.
Alternate Pick – Derek Stingley – Cobra cover man would be excellent fit here.
