The Jets' Blockbuster Draft Class of 2022
Evaluating the Draft Performance of the New York Jets
Grade: B+
Top Pick: CB Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner, No. 4 Overall (Round 1)
Why We Love It: The Jets hit a homerun with Sauce, nabbing a lockdown cornerback who quickly turned into a cornerstone player. His elite ball skills and immediate All-Pro potential solidified the secondary and provided a strong foundation under the nucleus.
Notable Regarding Round 1: The Jets also drafted speedy WR Garrett Wilson (No. 10) and edge rusher Jermaine Johnson II (No. 26) in the first round. Wilson's polished route running, YAC ability, and All-Rookie honors were a promising start, while Johnson's high-motor pass rush and 2023 improvements put him on track for stardom.
Best of the Rest: In Round 2, the Jets grabbed dynamic runner/receiver Breece Hall (No. 36), who exceeded expectations with a post-ACL recovery of over 1,100 scrimmage yards in 2023. Day 3 finds question marks, like speedy WR Arian Smith (No. 110), decent athlete Malachi Moore (No. 119), and good but positionally unclear Francisco Mauigoa (No. 162).
Tidy Up the Rotation: The Jets went after tight end Mason Taylor (No. 42) and cornerback Azareye'h Thomas (No. 73) to reinforce the roster's depth and rotational prospects, while using the rest of their draft capital on depth pieces and special team contributors.
Overall Assessment: The Jets' 2022 draft class proved to be a successful attempt at rebuilding their roster. The early value maximization of Hall and the high-impact talent of Gardner, Wilson, and Johnson helped establish a new, competitive core for years to come. While late-round picks had limited starting potential, the strategic moves set the stage for sustainable contention.
- The Jets drafted quarterback Zach Wilson in 2021, and his impressive play during the game has showcased his promising NFL career in American-football.
- In the game, Thomas, one of the Jets' draft picks, demonstrated a commendable trait of adaptability within the rotation of sports, further strengthening the team's defensive line.
- The Jets' 2022 draft class included quarterback Thomas Mann, whose strong performance in the game indicates his potential to become a formidable player in NFL football.
- During the game, the Jets' rotation at running back, including Thomas and other draft picks, demonstrated unique traits, underscoring the team's commitment to a competitive rotation within their roster.
- In watching the game, it was evident that the Jets' selection of athletic quarterback Daniel Jones in the NFL draft has added a new dimension to their offense, contributing to their improved performance on the football field.
