Taking A Last-Minute Look At Whom The New York Jets Will (And Should) Select In The NFL Draft

The waiting is almost over. In a few hours, the New York Jets will be on the clock to make their selection at No. 4 in the 2022 NFL Draft in Las Vegas.

And, barring a last-minute trade for San Francisco wide receiver Deebo Samuel (or a trade downward), the Jets also will pick at No. 10.

Thus, here’s a look at the players who are likely to be available when the Jets will be selecting, and what factors could drive those picks.

The least possible option, it seems, at No. 4 is Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson. The 6-7, 260-pounder rang up 14 sacks last season to help the Wolverines reach the College Football Playoff semifinals, and it would be a shock to see him still on the board at 4.

It would be an even bigger shock if the Jets didn’t display Usain Bolt-like speed in turning in their card with Hutchinson’s name on it in the unlikely event he is still out there. As you may have heard, they haven’t had a feared edge rusher since Hupmobiles were in vogue.

Staying with the defensive ends, there is Georgia’s Travon Walker. The 6-5, 272-pounder had 9.5 sacks in three seasons with the Bulldogs, six as a starter last season. But he wowed scouts at the NFL Combine, and he also could be gone by the time the Jets pick.

The downside for him is his lack of statistical production. That is the question whoever drafts him must wrestle with, even though his upside appears high.

Tackle Ikem “Ickey” Ekwonu could be available at 4 if Houston doesn’t select him at 3. The 6-4, 310-pound Ekwonu is the prototypical size for an offensive tackle in the Shanahan-style offense New York runs, which is why Alabama’s 350-pound Evan Neal should not even be a consideration.

Ekwonu would make sense, despite the team’s glaring needs at edge rusher and cornerback, because of the ongoing Mekhi Becton saga. Even with veteran George Fant a more-than-solid option at left tackle—and he made it clear Wednesday he wouldn’t mind re-signing when he hits free agency after this season—right tackle could be up for grabs if Becton can’t get his weight down or make the transition. That’s where Ekwonu could fit in.

A rumor that has gained traction is that of University of Cincinnati cornerback Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner. The 6-3, 190-pounder is considered the best cover corner on the board. But know this—-it would be a sea change for the Jets, as coach Robert Saleh seems to have gotten general manager Joe Douglas on board with his philosophy of trying to find corners in later rounds.

Oregon defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux was a first-team Associated Press All-American last season and had seven sacks. But questions about the 6-4, 254-pounder’s desire and commitment to football persist, and he has tried to allay those concerns as best he can. Still, it would be surprising if the Jets select him.

The Jets’ likely pick at 4—Ekwonu. My pick—Gardner.

Assuming there is no trade for Samuel, and Florida State edge rusher Jermaine Johnson (6-5, 254) doesn’t tumble out of single-digit picks—if so, he should be the pick—the Jets likely will wind up with a wide receiver with their pick at 10.

The safest selection would be Ohio State’s Garrett Wilson. The 6-foot, 183-pound Wilson came out after his junior season and is still a bit raw, but his ability to gain separation and get yards after the catch set him apart, per the experts.

USC’s 6-4, 219-pound Drake London had 88 catches in only eight games last season before suffering a fractured ankle, yet was named Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year. He lacks high-end speed but his size would make him a superb red-zone target for quarterback Zach Wilson.

Another possibility at wideout is Jameson Williams, who has the speed to get deep, although he is recovering from an ACL tear suffered in the national title game. Williams, 6-1.5, 179 struggled at Ohio State but became a star in his one year at Alabama in 2021 with 79 receptions and 15 touchdown catches. It’s unclear when he will be ready to play this season, however.

The Jets’ likely pick at 10—Wilson. My pick—London.