The 2022 NFL draft is in the books, and it is safe to say the Jets are pleased with what transpired.
Joe Douglas orchestrated a successful first round that saw Cincinnati cornerback Ahmad Gardner, Ohio State wide receiver Garrett Wilson and Florida State defensive end Jermaine Johnson — three premium talents — land with New York. Douglas also kicked off the second round with a bang by landing the most explosive running back in this year’s draft, Iowa State’s Breece Hall.
It will be a couple of years before Gang Green’s 2022 draft class can be accurately evaluated. Each of Douglas’ seven picks still have a lot of developing to do, and it remains to be seen exactly where they will fit in when the pads go on later this summer.
For now, here are our initial grades for the Jets’ draft.
Round 1, Pick 4: Cincinnati CB Ahmad Gardner
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Cornerback play was an issue for the Jets last season. Bryce Hall took a step forward in his development and the rookie duo of Michael Carter II and Brandin Echols flashed their promise from time to time, but the unit was not consistently productive. Gardner is a long, cover corner who fits perfectly in Jeff Ulbrich’s defense. It could have been tempting for the Jets to go with Oregon defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux at No. 4, but they decided cornerback was a more pressing need. Gardner was the right pick for New York.
Grade: A
Round 1, Pick 10 (via SEA): Ohio State WR Garrett Wilson
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The Jets opted to keep the 10th pick instead of trading it for Deebo Samuel and settled on Wilson over Alabama’s Jameson Williams. Williams had a case to be the pick leading up to the draft given his speed, but Wilson was the best wide receiver in this year’s class. He is the most refined of the group and can do different things in Mike LaFleur’s offense. There’s a good chance this pick goes down as a hit for New…