The latest New York Jets Mock Draft features the Jets focusing on the right side of the offensive line and reloading the secondary.
It hasn’t been the start that New York Jets fans were probably looking for in 2021. Still, a 1-4 start was probably something expected for a team with a new head coach, coordinators, and a rookie quarterback. Zach Wilson has had some rough outings so far this year, but more reps will help him get comfortable with NFL speed and work on his processing speed and decision making.
The offense has what looks like foundational pieces in Mekhi Becton (who should be back soon) and Alijah Vera-Tucker, and the hope is both Denzel Mims and Elijah Moore take the necessary steps to be great complements to Corey Davis.
The defense has some gems in rookie Michael Carter at corner, John Franklin-Myers on the edge, and his running mate on the other side Bryce Huff. Quinnen Williams is slowly coming along in year three, and Carl Lawson should bring some juice when he is back in 2022.
The New York Jets can be a team on the rise with a strong offseason in 2022, including a draft class featuring some impact players from day one, especially on the offensive line and in the secondary. That’s what happens here in this Jets 2022 Mock Draft.
New York Jets 2022 Mock Draft
Round 1, 6th Overall: Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson
Yes, Carter is having a good year (and even found himself on the latest rookie rankings here at NFL Mocks), and draft Twitter darling Bryce Hall has potential, but this Jets secondary is still lacking a number one corner who can lock down opposing top receivers every week.
Andrew Booth Jr. can be that guy. The Clemson corner is one of the most talented corners in recent memory, and could push Derek Stingley for CB1 in the 2022 NFL Draft. His athleticism is ever-present, as he has quick transitions, great explosion, and incredible ball skills highlighted by great high-pointing skills.
What stands above all else, though, is his incredible eye discipline. He’s locked on to what the quarterback is doing and has the ability to click and close with ease. Booth is also an incredibly physical player who is quick to wrap up as a tackler. He’d be a welcome addition to the Jets and a nightmare for the division.
Round 1, 12th Overall: Sean Rhyan, OT, UCLA
Fixing the right side of the offensive line is high on the priority list, and the New York Jets do it here with the selection of UCLA tackle Sean Rhyan. Evan Neal sits above the rest at tackle right now, but Rhyan is quickly moving up 2022 NFL Draft boards.
Rhyan has the power and anchor to hold off pass rushers in pass protection, and shows off good footwork to mirror rushers and recover when rushers use counters. He’s quick out of his stance and usually gets his hands in tight when engaging. Rhyan could start right away at right tackle in 2022.
Round 2, 38th Overall: Daxton Hill, S, Michigan
The safety position is an interesting one for the New York Jets. Marcus Maye is a stud, but there’s a chance he’s moved either before the trade deadline. Otherwise, he becomes a free agent after this season on the franchise tag. Ashtyn Davis hasn’t shown much to this point, so reloading at the position seems necessary.
Daxton Hill is an excellent start to the reload. A former five star recruit, Hill has been excellent to this point for the Wolverines as a starter for three seasons. He’s versatile to play in the box, in the slot, or in a deep shell. Hill is a reliable tackler with great instincts who makes plays at the catch point while also creating turnovers. Whoever drafts Hill will be extremely happy in year one and beyond.
Round 2, 46th Overall: Henry To’o To’o, LB, Alabama
With C.J. Mosley in the fold, it may seem like linebacker isn’t a priority for the New York Jets. However, outside of Jarrad Davis (on a one-year deal) and Blake Cashman, this group doesn’t have much behind Mosley.
Henry To’o To’o would be an intriguing add to this defense. He may not have top-end athleticism, but To’o To’o has the instincts and vision to make up for it. He’s quick to close when working downhill and is effective when blitzing. To’o To’o would be a great running mate for Mosley in 2022.
Round 3, 70th Overall: Zion Johnson, OL, Boston College
Rebuilding the right side continues for the New York Jets here in round three, as they land a very talented guard in Zion Johnson. Johnson has some experience out at tackle, but his best tape is at guard. He has great hand placement and a very good anchor, and he has the requisite agility to pass protect in a phone booth.
Johnson’s initial quicks and ability to work to the second level with good angles make him one of the best well-rounded guards in the 2022 NFL Draft. Adding Rhyan and Johnson would give Wilson a great line.
Round 4, 119th Overall: David Ojabo, EDGE, Michigan
While Lawson’s return should help, it feels unlikely that head coach Robert Saleh will ignore edge rusher in the 2022 NFL Draft. Aidan Hutchinson gets a lot of attention (and rightly so), but David Ojabo is a talented player in his own right. Ojabo was a sprinter in high school, and his get off and closing speed is downright impressive. He’s strong enough to set the edge, and has the hand usage at contact to shed blockers.
Round 4, 122nd Overall: Sam LaPorta, TE, Iowa
Every Jets 2022 mock draft is going to feature a tight end, as the Jets sent Chris Herndon to Minnesota for a fourth round selection, a fantastic move by general manager Joe Douglas.
Here, they get their guy in Iowa tight end Sam LaPorta. LaPorta hasn’t gotten to do too much in the passing game with the Hawkeyes, but he’s a great inline blocker who can also make plays in the passing game when given the chance. He’s got the straight line speed to threaten the seam and great ability to make plays through contact.
Round 5, 148th Overall: Jalyn Armour-Davis, CB, Alabama
The New York Jets got their guy earlier in Booth to be a lock down guy, but adding more depth makes sense to the corner room. Like Ojabo, Jalyn Armour-Davis isn’t getting the attention on the Alabama defense, but he might be the most impressive Crimson Tide defensive back this season not named Jordan Battle.
Armour-Davis has the size and speed combo that many NFL teams look for in corners. He’s got improving technique and can time breakups well at the catch point. His skills in man coverage are improving as well and his best football could be ahead.
Round 6, 162nd Overall: Reggie Roberson Jr., WR, SMU
The Jets don’t have much in the receiver room sticking around after the 2021 season, so adding depth in the 2022 NFL Draft makes plenty of sense. Injuries have hurt him the past couple seasons, but Reggie Roberson Jr. is another impressive deep threat who has the short area burst and speed to excel down the field and after the catch.
Round 6, 206th Overall: Rashad Wisdom, S, UTSA
This Jets mock draft finishes up by adding a sleeper safety in the draft. Hill is best when working in the short-to-intermediate area, and while Davis can potentially do it all, there’s no reason to ignore reloading the position here.
Rashad Wisdom isn’t a well-known name yet, but he’s an excellent defender on a UTSA team that’s having a phenomenal season. He has impressive range and ball skills to be the last line of defense in single high or a two-deep shell, and his effort and motor run hot all game long.