The Jets added seven new players during the 2022 NFL draft. Each one carries a unique skill set that will hopefully get New York back on track after a 4-13 season.
Joe Douglas used this year’s draft to land Gang Green a potential lockdown cornerback, a new top target for Zach Wilson, an intriguing pass rusher and the second part of what could be a dynamic backfield duo. Douglas still has work to do to get the Jets ready to go for training camp, but there is plenty for New York to be excited about when it comes to its incoming group of rookies.
Let’s take a look at one big thing to love about each of the Jets’ seven draft picks.
CB Ahmad Gardner: Length
AP Photo/Julio Cortez
Robert Saleh caught a glimpse of what a big cornerback can do for a defense when he worked under Pete Carroll in Seattle. Gardner’s length is arguably his most valuable asset, as his arms measured 33 inches at the draft combine. The Jets will take advantage of Gardner’s length in coverage. It’s a big reason why he likely would have been the pick over Derek Stingley Jr. if the LSU product hadn’t gone off the board at No. 3 to the Texans.
WR Garrett Wilson: Versatility
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Mike LaFleur routinely asks his wide receivers to line up all over the field and dig deep into their route tree to make plays. That won’t be an issue for Wilson, who played outside and in the slot at Ohio State. Wilson broke out for a 70-catch season in 2021 lined up primarily on the outside, but he was a reliable target for the Buckeyes when playing in the slot. His versatility will allow LaFleur to mix and match the rookie, Corey Davis and Elijah Moore based on matchups.
DE Jermaine Johnson II: Raw traits
AP Photo/Phil Sears
Johnson II is one of the best athletes in this year’s draft relative to his size. He posted an impressive…