5 potential breakout candidates for the NY Jets in 2022

The NY Jets have been doing a great job building this entire franchise over the past few years, and if things go as many expect in 2022, it could be the beginning of a great run for the organization.

General manager Joe Douglas spent this offseason adding plenty of impact players to this squad, and despite a tough stretch to open the campaign, there's no reason for this team to not compete for a playoff spot in 2022.

This roster has the potential to surprise some people around the NFL, but when you take a look up and down this roster, they're built to not only compete in 2022, but they're ready to win games and grow together for a bright future.

Today, however, we are focusing on the upcoming NFL season, and taking a look at five Jets players that could break out and take a major leap toward superstardom in 2022.

5. D.J. Reed could be a standout CB1 for the NY Jets in 2022

D.J. Reed was one of the most underrated offseason signings, and even before the Jets were able to land Sauce Gardner in the 2022 NFL Draft, the addition of Reed made this young secondary immensely better. He's looking to prove that in 2022.

With such a young cornerback group headlined by Gardner, Bryce Hall, and Michael Carter II, this secondary needed a leader. Reed, thus far in training camp, has proven to be exactly that for this group.

On the field, Reed can do it all, and although he's never been the go-to corner in any of the seasons he's played in the NFL, he will have to step up and take the responsibility in 2022. If he can succeed in that role, this could be a fantastic defensive unit.

4. Jordan Whitehead is ready to lead the NY Jets' secondary in 2022

Speaking of underrated offseason moves, the Jets' ability to replace Marcus Maye with Super Bowl champion Jordan Whitehead may have been one of the single best signings by any team over the past few months.

Whitehead is capable of doing everything at the safety position, and with veteran Lamarcus Joyner on the squad too, he will be getting some great advice and leadership to lead this team into the future.

Lots of Jets fans still like to take shots at Jamal Adams, but as the years have gone by, most have gotten over his departure. Now, the Jets have a genuine, play-making safety who can change the game and lead this team in the secondary.

He may never become one of the best safeties in the game, but Jordan Whitehead can do it all. If this defense can stay healthy, there's no reason why he shouldn't be up for consideration for a spot in the Pro Bowl in 2022.

3. Elijah Moore could represent the NY Jets at the 2022 Pro Bowl

When the Jets drafted Elijah Moore in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft, it was a move overlooked by many around the league. Fortunately for Jets fans, it looks like they've struck gold as Moore flashed plenty of star potential in his rookie season.

That rookie campaign was hindered and ultimately ended by injury, but for a significant stretch, he was putting up numbers comparable to some of the most elite players in the entire NFL.

The Jets added plenty more offensive weapons this offseason to spread the touches around, but if Moore can appear in close to all 17 of the team's games in 2022, he should be able to put up Pro Bowl-level numbers.

Garrett Wilson, drafted No. 10 overall in 2022 will be great for this team early in his career, along with Braxton Berrios and Corey Davis, but at this point, it's clear that the electric Elijah Moore is the clear star of this Jets wide receiver group.

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.