NFL Draft Week: Jets Can Really Add Quality to Roster with First 4 Picks

NFL Draft Week: Jets Can Really Add Quality to Roster with First 4 Picks
Fact Checked by Pat McLoone

The 2022 NFL Draft is just two days away and the Jets are searching for their first playoff appearance since 2010. With two picks in the top 10 and four in the top 40, this is an important draft for the future of the franchise.

The Jets finished the 2021 season at 4-13 and the NFL betting oddsmakers at the moment do not expect much next season.

Only the Houston Texans (+25000) have longer odds to win the Super Bowl at BetMGM Sportsbook New York than the Jets, who are tied for 30th with the Detroit Lions at +15000. The Buffalo Bills are the favorite at +650.

The Jets started the transition to the 2022 season with some moves in free agency.

So, a lot is at stake in this draft. If they can nail even a few of these selections, the Jets could be one of the league's biggest sleepers entering the 2022 season.

But what are the Jets looking to accomplish in this draft and what is the latest buzz on who they could be picking at No. 4 and No. 10? Here is everything you need to know about the NFL Draft and the New York Jets just days before Commissioner Roger Goodell steps up to the podium.

2022 Draft Picks

ā­ Round 1No. 4
ā­ Round 1No. 10 (via Seattle)
ā­ Round 2No. 35
ā­ Round 2No. 38 (via Carolina)
ā­ Round 3No. 69
ā­ Round 4No. 111 (via Carolina)
ā­ Round 4No. 117 (via Minnesota)
ā­ Round 5No. 146
ā­ Round 5No. 163 (via Pittsburgh)


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Draft Needs

  • Wide Receiver
  • Cornerback
  • EDGE Rusher
  • Offensive Tackle

Players To Know

The Jets would love to address their EDGE rush need at No. 4, but will they be interested in Oregonā€™s Kayvon Thibodeaux? The consensus among most major draft media members is the Jets are among the top landing spots for the former PAC-12 star. Thibodeaux has Khalil Mack upside, but there are some scouts who question his consistency of effort.

If the Jets donā€™t select Thibodeaux at No. 4, expect the pick to be Ahmad ā€œSauceā€ Gardner from Cincinnati. He has incredible size, length and production. Plus, his attitude is exactly what the Jets need on their defense. Gardner has the swagger and confidence to transform a defense that wasnā€™t very good on the backend last season.

At pick No. 10, look for the Jets to find a weapon for second-year quarterback Zach Wilson. The name linked to the Jets forever at No. 10 is Drake London (USC) as he has the size and body control to be a No. 1 receiver in the NFL. But could the Jets look for someone more explosive for their offense? Garrett Wilson (Ohio State) is among the best separators in the class and he is dynamic after the catch.

But the name to watch here is Jameson Williams (Alabama). The Jets were highly interested in trading for Tyreek Hill, so it makes sense that Williams would be an option. He has game-breaking speed and was highly productive for the Crimson Tide (1,572 yards and 15 TDs). Despite an ACL injury in the championship game, he might be their favorite receiver at No. 10.

WynnBet Sportsbook New York currently has Williams (+175) and London (+200) as 2-3 in odds to be the first wide receiver selected behind Ohio Stateā€™s Garrett Wilson (-250).

DraftKings Sportsbook New York has Williams and Wilson (both +250) and London (+300) as the most likely picks at No. 10. You can't bet those lines in New York, though, as it is among several states that do not allow betting on the draft itself.

In the second round, look for the Jets to find some plug-and-play starters on defense. They could use more top-end linebacker talent, so Nakobe Dean (Georgia) would be a perfect fit if he fell. They could also use more defensive end help and someone like Boye Mafe (Minnesota) could be an option with one of those selections. Don't rule out the Jets picking a running back either with one of those picks. Michael Carter was good last year, but he isn't an every-down back. Someone like Breece Hall (Iowa State) or Kenneth Walker (Michigan State) could both carry the load on offense during their rookie seasons.

Previous First-Round Selections

ā­ 2021Zach Wilson, QB, Brigham Young
ā­ 2021Alijah Vera-Tucker, OG, USC
ā­ 2020Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville
ā­ 2019Quinnen Williams, DT, Alabama
ā­ 2018Sam Darnold, QB, USC


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Author

Marcus Mosher

Marcus Mosher covers the NFL, NFL Draft and NFL news for EmpireStakes.com. The managing editor of The Raiders Wire is also a contributor to The Athletic DFW, Pro Football Weekly and FanSided, and previously wrote for FanRag Sports. He hosts Locked On Cowboys Podcast.

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