5 potential breakout candidates for the NY Jets in 2022

2. Sauce Gardner could be the X-Factor the NY Jets have been seeking

The Jets had plenty of options when they picked at No. 4 in the 2022 NFL Draft. They opted to go with a man who's already becoming a favorite in shutdown cornerback out of Cincinnati, Sauce Gardner.

With ridiculous length and athleticism, Gardner has been earmarked as the future No. 1 shutdown corner on this team, and from all reports, that responsibility may come sooner, rather than later.

Gardner has been incredibly impressive thus far in camp, and with the swagger to back up his on-field play, he's going to play a key role in the Jets looking to change the franchise with a winning culture.

Ultimately, it's just a matter of time until Gardner is one of the biggest names in New York, and even with some very tough wide receiver matchups in year one, he exudes stardom and will prove it right from Week 1.

1. Zach Wilson could lead the NY Jets back to the playoffs

This is the most obvious one, and if the Jets are to take a leap as a team in 2022, the majority of the responsibility falls on No. 2 entering his second season in the NFL.

In a few short months, the Jets added three tight ends, a Pro Bowl guard, as well as potential stars at running back and wide receiver to help Zach Wilson, and it's simply time for him to step up and deliver.

Fans know that Wilson has the arm talent, and after this offseason, he certainly has the support and confidence of his team. If all of that comes together in 2022, we could be looking at a very good football team.

The last six games of the 2021 campaign were a major sign of progression for Wilson, as he was able to fix plenty of mistakes he made early in the year, and Jets fans are desperately hoping he can build upon that.

No one should expect MVP-level play from Wilson this early in his career, but if he limits turnovers and gets the ball to all of the Jets' playmakers, he could have a breakout season and put together a potential Pro Bowl bid.