NY Jets trade down, fix defense in 7-round 2022 NFL Mock Draft

The NY Jets are just a few weeks away from the start of the 2022 NFL Draft, a three-day period that promises to be an eventful one for Gang Green.

With more draft capital than almost any team in recent NFL history, the Jets have an opportunity to change the fortunes of their franchise for the foreseeable future. Or, as always, their efforts could have the opposite effect.

In our latest seven-round 2022 NFL Mock Draft, we have the Jets trading down with their first of two first-round picks, something that's been rumored quite a bit. And with a total of 11 picks, we were able to land a pretty impressive draft haul.

With the help of Pro Football Network's mock simulator, let's take a look at the results from our most recent mock, first analyzing the trade down.

Round 1, 8th Overall, NY Jets: Jermaine Johnson, EDGE, Florida State

The Jets fell just four spots and were able to pick up an additional second and fourth-round pick. With my preferred target, Kayvon Thibodeaux, already off the board, this move made plenty of sense.

Atlanta traded up to select local Georgia defensive lineman Travon Walker, but the Jets were still able to land an edge rusher who I prefer to Walker in Florida State's Jermaine Johnson.

Johnson burst onto the scene at Florida State in 2021 after transferring from Georgia. He finished with 11.5 sacks in 12 games en route to being named the ACC Defensive Player of the Year.

There are few glaring holes in Johnson's game and he has all the makings of a standout pass rusher at the next level. He isn't quite another Nick Bosa for Robert Saleh, but Johnson could still help transform the Jets' pass rush.