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

Round 2, 38th Overall, NY Jets: Tyler Smith, OT/OG, Tulsa

The Jets remain interested in bolstering their offensive tackle depth, and while drafting one in the first round might be a bit much, don't be surprised if they add a young tackle on Day 2.

Tulsa's Tyler Smith is a very appealing developmental target who could have a future with the Jets at a number of different positions. Primarily a left tackle in college, Smith might have a higher ceiling as a guard in the NFL.

He's an aggressive, tenacious run blocker who possesses impressive power at the point of attack. He tends to be a little sloppy in pass protection from time to time, but that could be solved with a move to guard.

Ultimately, the Jets could opt to keep Smith at tackle given Mekhi Becton's injury concerns and George Fant's soon-to-expire contract, or they could move him to guard where he could eventually take over for Laken Tomlinson.

His versatility is a plus. Tyler Smith is a very inrtguing developmental offensive line prospect on Day 2.

Round 2, 43rd Overall, NY Jets: Travis Jones, DT, Connecticut

The loss of Folorunso Fatukasi leaves the Jets very thin on the interior of their defensive line. In particular, they could really use a stocky defensive tackle who excels against the run.

Connecticut's Travis Jones is my favorite Fatukasi replacement in this class. Jones arrived at UConn at over 360 pounds before losing almost 40 pounds of body fat. At 6-foot-4, 325 pounds, Jones is a powerful run-stuffer who has a higher upside as a pass rusher than Fatukasi ever did.

Jones is a day-one starter who projects best as a 1-technique/nose tackle in the NFL. His athleticism makes him a better fit than Fatukasi was in the Jets' attacking 4-3 scheme as well.

The Jets' run defense was putrid last season, and after losing probably their best run defender in Fatukasi, they need a player like Travis Jones.