NY Jets grab Garrett Wilson with No. 10 pick in 2022 NFL Draft, helping out Zach Wilson

The New York Jets spent much of the past month trying to trade for a big-time veteran weapon for their offense and young quarterback.

But in the end, they decided to keep their draft capital and use it on a weapon they hope can develop into a star.

The Jets selected Ohio State receiver Garrett Wilson with the No. 10 overall pick in the NFL Draft on Thursday night.

Wilson, who emerged as one of the best receivers in college football last season, gives quarterback Zach Wilson a versatile and speedy new target as he heads into his pivotal second season.

The 6-foot receiver proved in his final two college seasons that he can make an impact no matter where he lines up. In 2020 he was Ohio State's slot receiver for the majority of his snaps and caught 43 passes for 723 yards and six touchdowns. In 2021, moving back to the outside where he played as a freshman, Wilson exploded for 70 catches, 1,058 yards and 15 touchdowns.

That makes Wilson ideal for the Jets' offense. Offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur and coach Robert Saleh have frequently talked about how important it is for their receivers to be able to line up all over the field. They just added that kind of player in Wilson, who also has sub 4.5 40-yard dash speed and a penchant for making tough catches.

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The pick was the big payoff from the team’s 2020 trade of Jamal Adams to the Seahawks. When the Seahawks made the deal, they were expected to be contenders in 2021. But things did not go well giving the Jets two picks in the top 10.

They used the No. 4 overall pick, their own selection, to select Cincinnati cornerback Ahmad Gardner.

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It’s the third time in franchise history the Jets have made the 10th overall selection in the NFL Draft. The last time, in 1985, they picked wide receiver Al Toon who started nine years for the team, went to three Pro Bowls and was a one-time first-team All-Pro.

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 pick Garrett Wilson in NFL Draft 2022 for Zach Wilson