The 2022 NFL draft is inching closer, which means the Jets are on the verge of adding an influx of young talent to aid their ongoing rebuild.
Free agency has gone a long way in shaping New York’s plans for this year’s draft. Joe Douglas has addressed needs on both sides of the ball and upgrading at certain positions is now far less pertinent than it was at the beginning of the offseason.
There is still plenty of work for Douglas to do, though, and the draft is the perfect time for the Jets to fill their remaining holes.
ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. has the Jets trading back into the first round to address a need on the offensive line after using their top 10 picks to take a pass rusher and wide receiver in his latest mock draft. Kiper Jr. also has New York making an interesting selection that gives Zach Wilson yet another weapon with its remaining second-round pick.
Let’s take a closer look at who Kiper Jr. has the Jets drafting in the first two rounds of the 2022 NFL draft.
Round 1, Pick 4: Oregon EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux
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Thibodeaux has arguably the highest upside of any defensive end in this year’s draft — even if some have questioned his love for football during the pre-draft process. The California native is a freak of nature at 6-foot-5 and 250 pounds and finished with 49 tackles, 12 tackles for loss and seven sacks despite playing banged up last season.
Thibodeaux has the potential to be the kind of pass rusher that takes Ulbrich’s defense to the next level. Gang Green’s defensive coordinator got a good look at him at Oregon’s pro day.
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Round 1, Pick 10 (via SEA): USC WR Drake London
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London posted gaudy numbers in just eight games during his final season at USC, catching 88 passes for 1,084 yards and seven touchdowns. London’s junior season was cut short due to injury, but his talent is undeniable — even if it might be a bit of a reach to take him at No….