Grading a star-filled Day 2 of the 2022 NFL Draft for the NY Jets

Day 2 of the 2022 NFL Draft is officially in the books. The NY Jets received top grades for a first round that has already altered the direction of the franchise.

With Sauce Gardner, Garrett Wilson, and Jermaine Johnson already in the fold, New York is in a prime position to have the best draft of any team in the league.

How did the Jets fair in the second and third rounds? Here are our complete Day 2 grades.

1. Breece Hall, RB, Iowa State (36th overall)

I am super torn with this pick. On one hand, the Jets landed the consensus #1 running back in the draft.

This could be a massive move for a franchise that already landed the top cornerback and top wide receiver in the class. They also Breece Hall at a good value. The Iowa State star was commonly mocked as a first-round talent.

On the other, they used the pick on a player that plays a position currently occupied by an emerging Michael Carter. While a stable of running backs is always useful, it was surprising to see New York opt for a position that wasn't a clear need.

In doing so, the club also left talented players like Nakobe Dean (LB), Andrew Booth Jr. (CB), and Skyy Moore (WR) on the board. Any of these players would have had a clearer path toward regular playing time.

Personally, I had Michigan State running back Kenneth Walker a hair ahead of Hall. But at this stage, such critique is parsing hairs. Hall is a clear every-down back with the full package of skills. He has good speed, noticeable power, and pass catching abilities.

His all-around game has drawn comparisons to former Bears' running back Matt Forte. This is a best-case scenario for New York.

He will make an immediate difference in goal-line and short-yardage situations. Hall's presence on the roster will also form one of the league's most dangerous running back tandems alongside Carter. Both players should be fresh and dangerous this offseason.

At the end of the day, I like New York's aggressiveness to get their guy. I like the player. I like the tandem. And I love the value.

I deduct a few points for the positional redundancy, and a super small amount because of my slight preference for Walker. But the Jets walk away from this pick with a star offensive asset.

Grade: B

2. Jeremy Ruckert, TE, Ohio State (101st overall)

The Jets' selection of Jeremy Ruckert follows the same template as the Hall pick. Ruckert was one of the top tight-end prospects.

He has an NFL frame, experience at a major school, great hands, plus blocking skills, and notable short-yardage playmaking ability. His presence on the depth chart gives New York another weapon on their revamped offense.

However, the Ohio State standout plays a position that New York invested in heavily during free agency. The offseason additions of C.J. Uzomah and Tyler Conklin seemingly solidified the Jets' tight end room for this season and beyond.

Uzomah's pedigree indicates he is the clear starter. Beyond that, it's difficult to envision a way for both Ruckert and Conklin to secure regular playing time.

While he lacks upside as a receiver due to his lack of separating speed, Ruckert can be a good asset in short-yardage situations. Perhaps, the offensive staff can get creative and work all three onto the field at once in special packages.

It's a good pick. And it gives New York one of the deepest tight end units in football. But, like the Hall selection, one cannot help but wonder if this pick could have been used to address more dire needs at linebacker or offensive line.

Part of this grade could be amended if New York is able to land values at these positions later in the offseason. But for now, we give this pick a...

Grade: B-