New York Jets Draft Needs 2022

Well New York Jets fans, it has been another disappointing season. But, don’t let this upset you for long because I think that the Jets have a solid foundation for the future. With that being said, let’s get right into their post season evaluation. In this article, I am going to discuss what they did well and areas that they can improve upon. 

Disappointing Defense

If there is one part of their roster that they need to improve upon the most, it’s their defense. Last season the Jets gave up the most points in the entire NFL. To be more specific, they gave up a total of 28 rushing touchdowns while allowing 2,351 rushing yards. If the Jets want to improve their run defense, I would make it a priority in the draft. In the 2022 NFL Draft, there are a lot of players who could help solidify their defensive line. Given that the Jets have two top ten picks, they are in a perfect position to help the defense. Personally, I would focus on solidifying the secondary in the first round and then focus on run defense later. 

Zach Wilson

Although Zach Wilson had a very disappointing season, I would not give up on him just yet. While watching games throughout this season, like Joe Burrow, Wilson did not have much time in the pocket to make a play. In order for a quarterback to be successful they need to have playmakers surrounding them. So, the foundation for Wilson to be successful is already there, he just needs time in the pocket. Personally, I would use a first round pick to get a starting right tackle who can play opposite of Mekhi Becton. If Evan Neal falls to them at pick 4 I would take him in a heartbeat. Meanwhile, if he is not available I would target Charles Cross who is a fantastic pass blocker. (Editor’s note, Zach Wilson is much better than people think. Put Mac Jones on the Jets and see how he looks.)

Players to Target in Draft

As I noted earlier, I would use the two top 10 picks to get an offensive lineman and cornerback. I did a three round mock draft and these are the results

Round 1 Pick 4: Derek Stingley Jr. (LSU Cornerback)

Pick 10 (via Seattle): Charles Cross (Miss St. OT)

Round 2 Pick 35: Logan Hall (Houston EDGE)

Pick 38 (via Carolina): Jalen Pitre (Baylor Safety)

Round 3 Pick 69: Leo Chenal (Wisconsin LB)

I know that some of these picks may be seen as a reach, but I would like to bring attention to what the Jets are getting with these players. With Stingley Jr, the Jets are getting a new number one corner who is very versatile and can stick to the receiver in man coverage. He can cover receivers of all sizes and can stop all of them in their tracks. Now as I noted earlier, Cross is a fantastic pass blocker and would help buy Wilson some time to make a play. Cross is also good enough in the run game where he can open up gaps for Michael Carter. Logan Hall is a very physical EDGE rusher who is also very explosive off the snap. Hall does a great job of applying pressure to the QB and does a great job of filling in gaps in the line to stop the run. Jalen Pitre might be the biggest reach in this mock, but I think he might be the best fit. Pitre is a very versatile safety because he is fantastic in zone coverage and very good in the run game. Finally, Leo Chenal was arguably the best linebacker in the Big 10. He had a very big presence in the pass rush and is solid in zone coverage. 

Final Thoughts On Jets Draft Needs

The Jets have a very promising young core and could be a force to be reckoned with if they play their cards right. Their offense is very young and has potential to be a top 15 offense in a few years. In order for this to be the case, they need to prioritize surrounding Zach Wilson with promising talent. Personally, I would prioritize drafting some very talented offensive linemen as well as signing a veteran tight end. I like what Michael Carter has to offer in the backfield and believe he is a very special talent. Finally, I think this wide receiver core is one of the most promising cores in the NFL. After spending multiple draft picks on wide receivers, it is important that they use them a lot early in their career. This is exactly what they have done with Denzel Mims and Elijah Moore. 

Now onto their defense. As I noted earlier, their defense was very underwhelming this year. This could all change if they focus on drafting many versatile defenders in this upcoming draft. 

In conclusion, I think that if the Jets play their cards right in the 2022 offseason, I could see them going around 8-9 next season.

NY Jets Draft Needs Analyst-Matthew Lewis.