With four picks in the top 38, the New York Jets can dramatically change their franchise with their 2022 NFL Draft haul. In our final mock draft for the Jets, New York builds around Zach Wilson by attacking the defense first and finding great value late. Let’s jump right into the full seven rounds of action.
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New York Jets 2022 7-Round Mock Draft
Here are projections of every pick the New York Jets could make within a 7-Round 2022 NFL Mock Draft with the Pro Football Network staff as the general manager. This is what we would do with the picks after the board shook out while doing a full 7-round, 32-team mock draft.
Round 1, Pick 4: Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan
There are several directions the New York Jets could go with this pick (and their second first-round pick, to be honest). Yet, Aidan Hutchinson “sliding” to them here is a no-brainer. Carl Lawson returns this fall. Pairing him with Hutchinson gives the Jets one of the most formidable pass-rushing units in football.
Other players in consideration: George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue; Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
Round 1, Pick 10 (from SEA): Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
Kyle Hamilton is good enough to be the fourth overall pick. The Jets just happen to get lucky in this draft, as there are bigger fish to fry for the teams in between them. Hamilton closes space in coverage like no other and brings the lumber in the run game. He’s a rare blend of size and speed with sound technique. Hamilton doesn’t plod around. Instead, he is decisive and creative with his angles in run defense.
Other players in consideration: Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama; Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida
Round 2, Pick 35: Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State
The “Build Around Zach Wilson” effort starts the offensive rebuild in Round 2. Jahan Dotson is a great all-around receiver who stretches the field vertically while also presenting a challenge in the short area of the field.
Other players in consideration: Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas; Jalen Pitre, S, Baylor
Round 2, Pick 38 (from CAR): Tariq Woolen, CB, UTSA
analyBack to the defensive well, the Jets splurge a bit on the pick of Tariq Woolen. Banking on his incredible athletic traits, Woolen has improved drastically every year since switching from receiver to cornerback. Given a year or two, Woolen has the size, speed, and physical play to make waves as a starting cornerback.
Other players in consideration: Kyler Gordon, CB, Washington; Channing Tindall, LB, Georgia
Round 3, Pick 69: Quay Walker, LB, Georgia
The tremendous Georgia defense didn’t shed light on Quay Walker until his final season with the Bulldogs. But when the light was on him, it shined brightly. Walker is as versatile as they come and perhaps has some of the best upside in this linebacker class. He can rush the passer incredibly well or drop back in coverage. What separates Walker is his tackling skills and ability to run the alley. If he gets his hands on the ball carrier, they’re not going anywhere.
Other players in consideration: Leo Chenal, LB, Wisconsin; Brandon Smith, LB, Penn State
Round 4, Pick 111 (from CAR): Greg Dulcich, TE, UCLA
Coming streaming down the seam to an end zone near you Jets fans will be Greg Dulcich. Dulcich’s not the most athletic, but he’s far from the bottom of the barrel. Yet, he still wins more often than not. Dulcich also presents value with his hands, deceptive speed, and inline blocking ability from Chip Kelly’s system.
Other players in consideration: JT Woods, S, Baylor
Round 4, Pick 117 (from MIN): Tyler Badie, RB, Missouri
The Jets continue to give assistance to Wilson as Tyler Badie is the pick here. There likely isn’t a better running back for today’s NFL in this class as Badie comes fully equipped with the best set of pass-catching skills at the position. He also is a great rusher between the tackles or in space. Checkdowns or dump-offs to Badie now come into play as desired reads for Wilson — he’s a threat to take the ball the distance every time he touches it.
Other players in consideration: Isaiah Spiller, RB, Texas A&M; Rachaad White, RB, Arizona State
Round 5, Pick 146: Lucas Krull, TE, Pittsburgh
I know what you’re thinking — another tight end for the Jets? And the answer is easy — yes. Lucas Krull is the best run blocker in this class but also has a physicality along his routes with strong hands. He can line up in the slot and has a great after-the-catch ability if he’s in space.
Other players in consideration: Kalon Barnes, CB, Baylor; Calvin Austin III, WR, Memphis
Round 5, Pick 163 (from PIT): Jesse Luketa, LB, Penn State
Listing Jesse Luketa as a linebacker is likely a disservice to what he brings to the table. Luketa is a terrific edge defender with stand-up linebacker qualities. He’s a big man at 253 pounds, yet he moves much lighter and hits like a much heavier one. He can pair incredibly well with the returning Carl Lawson and newly-acquired Hutchinson as his presence on the field will cause potential mismatches in pass-rush situations.
Other players in consideration: Damone Clark, LB, LSU; Leon O’Neal Jr., S, Texas A&M
