NY Jets address OL and EDGE early in 7-round 2022 NFL Mock Draft

What else is there to say about these weekly NY Jets mock drafts? Each week, we've been running through at least one scenario the Jets could explore by the time late April rolls around.

We've done trades, made some surprising picks, made some not-so-surprising picks, and really everything in between. And considering it's still January, rest assured there are plenty of mock draft scenarios to come.

We have another one this week where we made sure to address the trenches early on. With Kayvon Thibodeaux, Aidan Hutchinson, and Derek Stingley Jr. already off the board, how what direction did we go in?

With help from The Draft Network's Mock Machined, here is our latest seven-round 2022 NFL Mock Draft.

Round 1, 4th Overall, NY Jets: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama

The top two edge rushers were off the board, but Alabama's Evan Neal managed to fall to the Jets at pick No. 4. That made him the obvious selection at this spot.

Neal has long been considered the best offensive line prospect and arguably the best overall prospect in this year's class. He stands at a hulking 6-foot-6, 360 pounds and is reminiscent of Mekhi Becton in some ways.

Neal is an exceptional athlete for his size and he blends that agility with raw power and explosiveness. His versatility gives him a boost with the ability to play either tackle spot or even shift inside to guard.

The Jets could realistically start Neal at either left tackle, right tackle, or right guard in 2022 depending on the route they take. Neal gives the Jets options and an offensive line prospect with an All-Pro ceiling.