NY Jets Draft Grades 2022: Analysis for the picks, starting with Ahmad 'Sauce' Gardner
FLORHAM PARK -- The NFL Draft is over and the New York Jets got a lot accomplished, adding seven players who will shape the course of their future.
General manager Joe Douglas made three picks in the first round, just the second time in franchise history the Jets have made more than two first-round picks in the same draft – and the most since they took four players in the first round in 2000. And many of them will have the chance to become key contributors later this year.
We'll all find out together if these players can reach the potential the Jets saw in them. It's just going to take some time. But it's not too early to grade the process. So here's a look at our grades for the key picks of the Jets' 2022 NFL Draft:
Round 1, No. 4: Ahmad 'Sauce' Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
The Jets improved the cornerback position in free agency, so they could have waited until the later rounds to add depth, and they would have been fine at this position. Instead, they took the top player on their board and arguably the best cornerback in this draft. Gardner has all the tools to become the lockdown corner the Jets haven't had since Darrelle Revis. And if he comes close to reaching his potential, the Jets won't have to worry about their cornerback problems anymore. GRADE: A
Ahmad 'Sauce' Gardner: 3 things to know about Jets' No. 4 pick in 2022 NFL Draft
Round 1, No. 10: Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
The Jets spent the last month trying to trade for a proven star receiver to help Zach Wilson. It didn't happen, but they were able to land a receiver who has the potential to be a star and the tools to benefit their young quarterback now. Garrett Wilson has the speed and elusiveness to make game-changing plays. Drafting Jameson Williams would have been a bolder move, he's likely to become the top receiver from this draft class once healthy, but it's hard to fault the Jets for wanting a receiver who can build chemistry with the quarterback in the offseason. GRADE: A-
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Round 1, No. 26: Jermaine Johnson, edge, FSU
When the Jets used their first two picks on cornerback and wide receiver, it seemed they'd missed on their chance to get an impact edge rusher at the top of their board. But then Johnson started to tumble down the draft board, and once he reached No. 15, Douglas called every team until he got a deal done. That persistence landed the Jets the impact edge rusher they wanted at a great value. It's hard to find fault in that. GRADE: A
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Round 2, No. 38: Breece Hall, RB, Iowa State
The Jets added another offensive weapon to start Day 2 of the NFL Draft, and this one should have Jets fans excited. Last year, as a rookie, Michael Carter emerged as a dynamic and elusive weapon out of the backfield. Hall has a similar ability to make defenders miss, but he also has a power aspect to his game. In drafting Hall, the Jets added depth to the running back room and created a potential explosive combination with their two young running backs. That's good news for the Jets young quarterback. GRADE: A
Round 3, No. 101: Jeremy Ruckert, TE, Ohio State
The Jets continued to add offensive depth as Day 2 came to a close. And while Ruckert will fly under the radar in a draft where the Jets added so many crucial pieces, he's one of their most intriguing picks. He's a strong blocker and has the athleticism to become a real weapon in the passing game. Ultimately, they're committed to making the tight end position better and that will only help Zach Wilson. GRADE: B
Round 4, No. 111: Max Mitchell, OT, Louisiana
The Jets needed versatile offensive line depth and that's exactly what they got in Mitchell, who can play guard or tackle. It might be more of a long-term investment, because Mitchell likely needs to get stronger to be effective at the next level, but his quickness is a good fit for the Jets' scheme and his presence should help their overall depth moving forward. GRADE: B+
Round 4, No. 117: Micheal Clemons, DE, Texas A&M
Clemons has the ability to make an immediate impact as a pass rusher, with his mix of size and speed and a technique that is proven -- he had seven sacks and 11 tackles for a loss in his final season. There are concerns over past injuries and 2021 off-the-field issues: he was arrested for illegal carrying of a weapon and driving with an invalid license. But the risk is worth the potential reward at this stage of the draft. GRADE: B+
Andy Vasquez is the Jets beat writer for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to all Jets analysis, news, trades and more, please subscribe today and download our app.
Email: vasqueza@northjersey.com
Twitter: @andy_vasquez
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NY Jets draft grades 2022: Analysis, thoughts for all picks
