The New York Jets finished the 2021 season 4-13. You could see slow progress under head coach Robert Saleh and rookie QB Zach Wilson. The Jets staff got an up-close and personal look at several prospects by coaching at the 2022 Senior Bowl.
The Jets currently have nine draft picks. They have two in the top ten and four in the first 38.
I used the Mock Draft simulator from NFL Mock Draft Database. For this simulation, I used the consensus big board accumulated by NFL MDD, with the realistic draft mode setting.
Let’s see how it plays out.
NEW YORK JETS: 7-ROUND MOCK DRAFT
1-4: Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC State
Ekwonu is a bully blocker in the best kind of way. He will be dominant in the run game from day one. Ekwonu is good in the passing game but still needs some refinement. Pairing him with Mekhi Becton will give their young QB a pair of bookends that he doesn’t have to worry about.
1-10: Jermaine Johnson II, EDGE, Florida State
The New York Jets acquired this pick from Seattle in the Jamal Adams trade. Johnson dominated every rep at the Senior Bowl practices. He was highly productive for Florida State this year after transferring from Georgia. Johnson has elevated himself from the early second-round to now going in the top ten.
2-35: Daxton Hill, S, Michigan
Safety is a huge need for the Jets and the early part of round two feels like the sweet spot for a few safety prospects to go. 42 of Hill’s 69 tackles this year were solos. He also intercepted two passes. Hill is rangy and will hit. A perfect addition for the Jets secondary.
2-38: Trey McBride, TE, Colorado State
McBride is a great athlete with natural hands. He is a perfect security blanket for QB Zach Wilson. McBride will fit their offense like a glove.
3-69: Kyren Williams, RB, Notre Dame
While the “need” for a running back isn’t pressing, the Jets can use another one. I am probably lower on Kyren Williams than I should be. He notched back-to-back 1K rushing seasons and caught 40 balls in consecutive seasons.
THE REST OF THE DRAFT
4-109: Tariq Castro-Fields, CB, Penn State
4-115: Calvin Austin III, WR, Memphis
5-145: Cam Jurgens, C, Nebraska
5-162: Brian Asamoah, LB, Oklahoma