NY Jets linked to Oregon edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux in mock draft

It's never too early to talk about the 2022 NFL Draft and even though NY Jets fans are optimistic about the rebuild that's to come, it's not going to happen immediately.

As a result, they're slated to pick third (based on current Super Bowl odds) in Brent Sobleski of Bleacher Report's latest mock draft where he had the Jets going with Oregon edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux.

The Jets held the No. 2 overall pick in this year's draft and went with Zach Wilson out of BYU, meaning, unless things go horribly during Wilson's rookie year, they won't be looking to take a quarterback in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.

The previous two picks in this mock were quarterbacks, so the Jets were set up to land the best non-quarterback in the draft.

"Oregon defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux has the ability to be the next Jadeveon Clowney and Myles Garrett if none of the quarterbacks ascend up draft boards, as they usually do. The following quote is about Garrett but applies to Thibodeaux. "Built out of a lab," an AFC scout said of the two-time Pro Bowl pass-rusher, per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. "Zero weaknesses. Power, bend, speed.""

- Brent Sobleski, Bleacher Report

Jets fans would love to have the next Myles Garrett on their roster, especially paired with former Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Carl Lawson. Sobleski touches on that aspect too.

"The description is exactly what an edge defender worthy of the No. 1 overall pick should be. Thibodeaux is 6'5" and 250 pounds with exceptional flexibility and athleticism off the edge. He's been a disruptive presence since he stepped onto campus. With Carl Lawson already on the roster, Thibodeaux's addition can create an elite tandem. "

- Brent Sobleski

Thibodeaux impressed greatly as a freshman in 2019, racking up 14 tackles for loss and nine sacks while also breaking up three passes and forcing a fumble.

He didn't have as many games to show off in 2020 due to the pandemic, but he still turned heads in the seven games he did play, totaling 42 tackles (9.5 for loss) and three sacks.

The NY Jets select Kayvon Thibodeaux in a recent mock draft.

Not needing a quarterback will set the Jets up to take the best player available and Thibodeaux would be quite the get at pick No. 3. He's definitely a player that Jets fans should be keeping an eye on during the college football season as he has legitimate superstar potential.

Now, it's obviously worth noting that in order to land Thibodeaux, the Jets have to be lousy in 2021. It'd be a small price to pay to secure a sure thing in the pass-rushing department and if he is indeed a member of the Jets this time next year, the Jets' defense could be a top-10 unit.

It's fun imagining Kayvon Thibodeaux in a Jets uniform but the 2022 NFL Draft is still a ways away meaning that a lot can change between now and then.