Grades and analysis for the NY Jets star-studded 2022 NFL Draft class

Round 2, 36th overall, NY Jets: Breece Hall, RB, Iowa State

The Jets had quite a few options when it came to their first pick in the second round. They could have targeted another defensive upgrade in the form of a safety or linebacker. They could have addressed their offensive tackle depth as they almost did in the first round.

Instead, they made the somewhat surprising decision to trade up two spots and select Iowa State running back Breece Hall. Surprising doesn't mean bad, however.

In fact, many were pleading with the Jets to draft Hall. Most just didn't believe Joe Douglas would do it. In the 20+ years that Douglas has been in the NFL, his team has only drafted a running back in the top-40 once — that came way back in Douglas' first season in the NFL in 2000 (Jamal Lewis, Baltimore Ravens).

Douglas proved that he's willing to break his innate draft philosophy in order to build around his young quarterback. That's the idea behind the Hall pick.

Hall was another player with a first-round grade on the Jets' board, and he's someone who many believed to be the consensus RB1 in his class. Even with the presence of Michael Carter, Hall adds a new element to the Jets' offense.

At 5-foot-11, 217 pounds, Hall blends an impressive build with outstanding vision, elusiveness, and 4.39 speed. He's still a work in progress as a pass catcher and blocker, but he has all the makings of a true three-down back at the next level.

The Jets prioritized building around their young quarterback with the best available talent. It's hard to be upset about that approach.

Grade: B+