Todd McShay latest Mock Draft: Jets Picks

[gmf1369]

The 2022 NFL draft is less than a month away, and we just saw yet another massive trade involving first-round picks. So it seems like a pretty good time to take another run at predicting how the draft's early picks might play out. But this time, I'm taking my mock draft two rounds deep, projecting which top prospects make sense at each of the opening 64 selections.

Monday's trade means yet another team will have multiple first-round selections on April 28, with the Saints moving up to No. 16 overall and adding an additional Day 1 pick in their deal with the Eagles -- who still hold two first-round picks themselves. How will that move shake up the middle parts of Round 1? What does it mean for teams jockeying for position as they try to land a new franchise quarterback, playmaking receiver or disruptive pass-rusher? And what other trades could happen? I predicted two more deals that carry implications for Rounds 1 and 2.

There's still a lot of time for things to change, and the board is far from final. But for now, here is my current prediction of how the first and second rounds of the 2022 draft will play out. And for more on all 64 picks, check out our SportsCenter Special.

Note: Historical notes are via ESPN Stats & Information and based on the common draft era (since 1967).

4. New York Jets
Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State

The Jets have to find a true No. 1 receiver for second-year quarterback Zach Wilson, and a Wilson-Wilson connection could be fun to watch for a long time in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Garrett Wilson has elite body control and can regularly make contested plays downfield. New York's offensive skill position group -- which already includes wide receivers Corey Davis, Elijah Moore and Braxton Berrios, running back Michael Carter and tight end C.J. Uzomah -- could be sneaky good if its key players stay healthy and keep developing. And yes, it's yet another spot where an offensive tackle would make some sense, so don't be surprised if the Jets delay adding to the receiver room to lock in a potential upgrade on the line.

10. New York Jets (via SEA)
Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati

There are probably three realistic options here in this scenario: Gardner, Jermaine Johnson II or Mississippi State offensive tackle Charles Cross. But the chance to get Gardner -- my No. 5 overall prospect in the class -- is too good to ignore. The Jets signed D.J. Reed in free agency, and both Brandin Echols and Bryce Hall are capable starters. But Gardner is the definition of shutdown corner. Consider this: The Jets allowed 116 passing plays for at least 15 yards last season, the second most in the NFL; Gardner didn't allow that many yards in a single game all year.

35. New York Jets
Arnold Ebiketie, DE, Penn State

The Jets opted for Garrett Wilson and Ahmad Gardner to address receiver and cornerback on Day 1, so the edge rush issue got pushed here. Not a problem. Ebiketie always has a pass-rush plan and is one of the more technical edge rushers in the class. He had 9.5 sacks and 46 pressures last season.

38. New York Jets (via CAR)
Quay Walker, ILB, Georgia

The Jets are back on the clock and can get some linebacker depth behind C.J. Mosley. Walker is a patient run defender and brings value as a coverage linebacker and/or occasional pass-rusher.

ESPN +
Thoughts?

 

[Tinstar]

No thanks

 

[Innocenti]

Not bad but I would like to see an edge rusher in one of the first two picks. ....and if he's so high on Gardner then McShay should have him as the 4th selection because probably won't be around at #10.

 

[Wahoo]

Wr at 4 is awful

 

[Retired AFA]

I like our first 2nd Rd pick. Other then that, No thanks!

 

[MiJetFan]

For a minute I thought Idzik had returned........then I woke.

 

[NewMFS62]

So, I guess the general consensus is a tie. We don't like his reasoning AND we don't like the players he picked.
Other than that, I wonder if they had to loosen his restraints so he could type that or did he just dictate it to someone when his meds wore off?
Or am I being too subtle?

Later

 

[skop]

i like all of the players... just not where we got them.