2022 NFL Mock Draft: NY Jets take a chance, 4 QBs go in the first round

The transition into April marks one of the most exciting points in the NFL calendar: the 2022 NFL Draft. The April 28th-30th event represents a season of hope and excitement for all 32 franchises. And few teams have reason to be invested than the NY Jets!

Gang Green currently holds the No. 4 and No. 10 overall picks in the first round of this year's draft. This treasure trove of top assets gives the franchise a real hope of building their first contending roster since the Rex Ryan era.

How might things shake out in the critically important first round? Here's a full, 32-team, first-round mock with special emphasis on the J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets!

1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Evan Neal, OT/G, Alabama

The Jags franchise has been a bit of a disaster of late. However, they still have an elite QB prospect in Trevor Lawrence. Expect Jacksonville to pass on the slew of defensive linemen as they invest in their second-year signal-caller with a franchise offensive tackle.

2. Detroit Lions: Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Michigan

Detroit head coach Dan Campbell has been clear from day one that he values tough, hard-nosed, players. Aidan Hutchinson will bring pass rushing and toughness to Detroit for the next decade.

3. Houston Texans: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame

The hype around Kyle Hamilton has fallen off in recent weeks. However, the Texans will be well aware that PFF's No. 2 overall prospect is a game-changing talent that the franchise can build their defense around.

They have their left tackle set with Laremy Tunsil. Expect Houston to grab the Notre Dame star.

4. New York Jets: Travon Walker, DE Georgia

Travon Walker's stock seems to be rising as quickly as any top-tier player. However, during the season of misdirections, one can't help but wonder if the increasing hype that has Walker going as high as No. 1 overall is more smoke than mirrors.

Don't get me wrong. The Georgia defensive end is absolutely a premier talent that led one of the best defensive units in college football history. I have already gone on the record saying that he is the best-case scenario for the Jets at No. 4. And I genuinely think New York is his most likely landing spot.

Jets' head coach Robert Saleh made a name for himself as the defensive coordinator for the San Fransico 49ers. During that time, his team's most successful seasons came when All-Pro defensive end Nick Bosa was at his best.

The ability to pressure the quarterback without blitzing was a trademark that led the Niners (and countless similar teams) to success in the regular and postseason.

What better way could the Jets build their identity than by investing a premium pick in an elite pass rusher? The combination of Walker and a returning Carl Lawson would give the Jets a top defensive line.

This could prove invaluable in a division with young quarterbacks Mac Jones and Tua Tagovailoa suiting up for other teams.

5. New York Giants: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon

The best seasons in Giants franchise history have come with a dominant defensive pass rush. New York looks to recapture their past glory by grabbing Kayvon Thibodeaux with its first 2022 pick.

6. Carolina Panthers: Malik Willis, QB, Liberty

Sam Darnold cannot be the long-term solution for Matt Rhule and company. The only question here is whether Carolina values Malik Willis or Kenny Pickett higher. I say Willis edges out the competition.

7. New York Giants (from Chicago Bears): Ikem Ekwonu, OL, NC State

Ikem Ekwonu is considered by many to be the top OL in this draft. If the Giants indeed land Thibodeaux at pick No. 5, they will have instantaneously overhauled their interior lines.

8. Atlanta Falcons: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh

The Matt Ryan trade signaled the beginning of a new era of Falcons football. While Marcus Mariota is a serviceable option, Atlanta will have a difficult time passing on one of the best QBs in the class.

9. Seattle Seahawks (from Denver Broncos): Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State

Seattle's rebuild leaves so many unanswered questions about the state and direction of the franchise. The team can alleviate one of these concerns by locking up their offensive tackle of the future.

Charles Cross will provide top-tier protection for whoever eventually fills the void left by Russell Wilson's departure.

10. NY Jets (from Seattle Seahawks): Drake London, WR, USC

The rumors involving Tyreek Hill and the Jets confirmed that New York is seeking a top-tier wide receiver. And rightfully so. If the franchise hopes to make a real assessment of Zach Wilson, they must provide more skill position talent than the young QB suffered through in his rookie campaign.

The offseason acquisition of C.J. Uzomah and the emergence of Michael Carter and Elijah Moore will prove useful. But the franchise still needs a legitimate playmaker on the outside. Enter Drake London.

For the record, this was one of the most difficult predictions of this mock. The 2022 NFL Draft is absolutely stacked at the position. However, there does not appear to be a major difference among the top several prospects.

I, however, give London the edge. The consensus No. 1 WR on the board would be a welcome addition to New York's passing game. He is not quite the deep threat that Jameson Williams nor does he have the route running skills of Chris Olave, but his combination of size, speed, and athleticism, would fit nicely alongside a developing Wilson.

Need proof? London led all of college football in contested catches with 19. Pretty impressive right? Oh! He also missed time due to an ankle injury. This means he recorded those 19 catches in only eight games.

London fits the role of a "possession wide receiver." What better way to support your young QB than by giving him a target with the speed to get open consistently and the size and ball skills to make himself open even when he is defended closely?

11. Washington Commanders: Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia

Jordan Davis was a darling of the NFL Combine and one of my personal favorite prospects in this draft. I've written before that the Jets would be wise to seriously consider Davis at No. 10 overall.

In this most recent mock draft, the former Georgia pillar joins Chase Young on one of the most dangerous defensive lines in the league.

12. Minnesota Vikings: Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati

Ahmad 'Sauce' Gardner is widely regarded as the best overall cornerback in this draft class. He is also a potential option for the Jets at No. 10. The Vikings should be quick to stop his slide and grab Gardner to play alongside Patrick Peterson.

13. Cleveland Browns: Derek Stingley Jr, CB, LSU

Cleveland has completely rebuilt their roster this offseason. While much is still unknown, every team in the league could use a corner like Derek Stingley Jr. Should things break correctly, he has the potential to be for the Browns' secondary what Myles Garrett is for their front-four.

14. Baltimore Ravens: Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama

The Ravens have gone far too long without adding a top wide receiver for 2019 NFL MVP Lamar Jackson. Marquise Brown has failed to develop into a No. 1 pass catcher. Jameson Williams would immediately give Baltimore a new offensive dynamic as the team seeks a long postseason run.

15. Philadelphia Eagles (from Miami Dolphins): Jermaine Johnson II, EDGE, Florida State

The Eagles have a solid overall roster, which frees them up to take the best available player. The former ACC Defensive Player of the Year is a raw, but talented edge rusher who could bring a new dynamic to Philly's defensive front-four.

16. New Orleans (from Philadelphia through Indianapolis): Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina

The Saints' pursuit of Deshaun Watson made it clear that they are seeking a long-term solution at QB. Sam Howell is less touted than Pickett or Willis. However, he is PFF's No. 1 prospect at the league's most important position.

17. Los Angeles Chargers: Trevor Penning, OL, Northern Iowa

The Chargers have one of the most valuable assets in football in QB Justin Herbert. They also boast a dangerous offense and a revamped defense. The easy play here is to invest in the protection of Herbert.

18. Philadelphia Eagles (from New Orleans Saints): Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah

Devin Lloyd is one of the best prospects at linebacker. As a former safety and wide receiver, Lloyd has the playmaking abilities to make a tangible difference as the Eagles attempt to build a contending roster in the NFC East.

19. New Orleans (From Philadelphia Eagles): Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State

The once-loaded Saints' skill position room is a shell of its former self. Michael Thomas has had major injury concerns. Alvin Kamara has been in legal trouble this offseason. And Drew Brees isn't walking back in to fit the issues.

With a new (projected) quarterback in the fold, New Orleans should jump on the chance to add a pass catcher in this loaded wide receiver draft.

20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa

Pittsburgh will be tempted to reach for the best available rookie QB. However, expect the always wise Steelers to opt for the best player at a position of need.

21. New England Patriots: Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson

New England has quietly built a solid roster in the post-Tom Brady era. The franchise would be wise to invest in the area that legendary coach Bill Belichick has always excelled the most: defense!

22. Green Bay Packers (from Las Vegas Raiders): Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State

Green Bay absolutely cannot continue their decade-plus streak of failing to draft skill position players. The departure of All-Pro wide receiver Davante Adams forces with Packers to find a new go-to option for Aaron Rodgers.

23. Arizona Cardinals: Devonte Wyatt, DT, Georgia

The Cardinals' biggest need is a replacement for pass-rushing specialist Chandler Jones. Devonte Wyatt will help fill that role.

24. Dallas Cowboys: Bernhard Raimann, OT, Central Michigan

Don't look now but the once elite Dallas offensive line has taken a bit of a step back. The addition of Bernhard Raimann elevates the Cowboys' signature unit back into the top tier.

25. Buffalo Bills: Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia

The Bills have a loaded roster across the board. However, they were eliminated from the 2021 postseason because of their inability to make a key defensive stop. Look for Buffalo to land one of the best linebackers in the draft to boost this unit.

26. Tennessee Titans: Jalen Pitre, S, Baylor

Hot Take: I actually think the Titians will be tempted to take QB Matt Corral. However, Tennessee instead will look. add a starting player in their secondary, by drafting the Baylor star.

2.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Zion Johnson, OG, Boston College

Tampa lost two guards this offseason. Their biggest need is overhauled protection for Tom Brady. Zion Johnson would immediately fill a void at either guard position. This is an easy call for the Bucs.

28. Green Bay Packers: Skyy Moore, WR, Western Michigan

Is two wide receivers in the first round overkill? Yes. Is it necessary? The back-to-back league MVP is currently slated to throw to a combination of Randall Cobb, Amari Rodgers, and Robert Tonyan.

Skyy Moore, a lesser touted prospect from a smaller school, has a great track record of production. His phenomenal route-running skills would pair well with Rodgers' accuracy.

29. Kansas City Chiefs (from Miami): Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas

Kansas City is in the same spot as Green Bay. They must find a replacement for their former franchise pass-catcher Tyreek Hill. Treylon Burks' top-end speed would be a perfect fit! Expect the Chiefs to pounce on the opportunity to develop the league's latest speedster.

30) Kansas City Chiefs: Daniel Faalele, OT, Minnesota

With their Wwide receicer need addressed, the Chiefs add to their offense by providing more protection for superstar Patrick Maholmes.

31. Cincinnati Bengals: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington

The Bengals clearly have a talented roster. However, their Super Bowl appearance clearly identified a need at corner. Look for Cincy to grab the best overall cornerback left on the board as they labor to maintain their championship contender status.

32. Detroit Lions (from Los Angeles Rams): Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss

Let's end the first round with one final firework. Detroit already has their franchise left tackle in Penei Sewell and (presumably) a top defensive end from this draft.

Jared Goff is clearly not the QB of the future. The Lions pounce on the chance to add CBS Sports' top overall quarterback at the end of the first round in Matt Corral.