Jets 2022 Draft Grades
The 2022 NFL Draft has come to a close. And after an entertaining three days of picks, it’s time to evaluate how all 32 NFL teams did. The New York Jets came away with seven selections, including three in the first round. So let’s get into each pick individually in our Jets Draft Grade.
4th Overall Selection (Rd1-4) Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
Gardner is a physical cornerback that is outstanding in man-to-man coverage. While some are concerned about him adjusting to NFL rules that punish DB’s for breathing on WR’s, Ahmad shot up draft boards. It was no different for me, as I ended with Gardner as my #1 CB in the draft class. Not only that, I would argue that he was better than all three players taken before him. Gardner instantly improves one of the worst DB groups from 2021. I must say my colleague Ken Noble had him as CB 1 at the beginning of the year.
Grade: A+
10th Overall Selection (Rd1-10) Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio St.
Much like Gardner, you could argue that Wilson was the best at his position in this draft. Possessing great speed and body control, Wilson is also a good route runner. He’ll be an excellent weapon for Jets’ quarterback Zach Wilson, who suddenly has a dangerous looking WR group with Wilson, 2021 pick Elijah Moore, and Corey Davis.
Grade: A+
26th Overall Selection (Rd1-26) Jermaine Johnson II, DE, Florida St.
With a great first step and amazing closing speed, I was in shock as I watched Johnson continue to fall in round one. Finally the Jets made a move, getting a steal with the 26th pick, and solidifying one of the more impressive first round hauls I can remember. Many had Johnson mocked as a top 10 pick (some even top 5) prior to the draft.
Grade: A+
36th Overall Selection (Rd2-4) Breece Hall, RB, Iowa St.
In a previous version of the NFL, Hall would have been talked about as a potential top 10 pick. However, the Jets were able to land in with their second round pick. Hall is a powerful, yet patient runner that shows good burst and overall speed. I would like to see him improve as a route runner and in pass protection though.
Grade: A+
101st Overall Selection (Rd3-37) Jeremy Ruckert, TE, Ohio St.
Jeremy is a great blocking tight end. However, he’s a better receiver than given credit for. While he’s not a treat to break a big play, he a solid route runner with excellent hands. While I personally liked a couple TE’s that were still on the board more, I expect him to be a nice safety valve for Zach Wilson.
Grade: B
111th Overall Selection (Rd4-6) Max Mitchell, OT, Louisiana
While Mitchell did struggle at the Senior Bowl, he was still one of my favorite offensive lineman prospects. While he does need to get stronger, Max is solid in both run and pass blocking. He also has the ability to play at both left and right tackle.
Grade: B+
117th Overall Selection (Rd4-12) Micheal Clemons, DE, Texas A&M
Clemons has both the size and length that you love from an edge rusher. His biggest weakness is that he needs to win the initial fight with the OL, or else he gets stopped in his tracks. If he can improve with his pass rush, he has the tools to be a nice piece to a defense looking to improve in 2022.
Grade: B-
Jets Overall Draft Grade: A+
After their first four pick, the Jets could have selected three punters and I still would have given them an A+. Ok, maybe that’s a stretch. But I’m sure Jets fans and front office can’t help themselves in thinking they have a chance to make a massive turnaround in 2022 after this weekend’s picks. A lot will depend on the continued growth of Zach Wilson and the defense improving, but the Jets certainly helped themselves out with their draft haul.
New York Jets Draft Grade – Analyst Brandon Claburn
