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

Round 4, 114th Overall, NY Jets: Darrian Beavers, LB, Cincinnati

The Jets may not see the linebacker position as a major need entering the 2022 NFL Draft, but they would be foolish to ignore the position altogether. It's far from a strength of the roster.

Cincinnati's Darrian Beavers would be a perfect target early on Day 3. He's someone who can immediately compete for reps in the team's base package while potentially taking over the C.J. Mosley role in 2023.

At 6-foot-4, 255 pounds, Beavers is larger than your typical Robert Saleh linebacker. Still, as a former wide receiver and safety, he moves very well for a man his size and can hold his own in coverage.

Beavers' best fit is probably as a future MIKE linebacker and his intelligence, leadership, and run-defending abilities should appeal to a Jets team that's in need of all three of those things on defense.

NY Jets address biggest needs in post-free agency 7-round 2022 NFL Mock Draft

Round 4, 117th Overall, NY Jets: Jelani Woods, TE, Virginia

Even after signing both C.J. Uzomah and Tyler Conklin in free agency, don't be surprised to see the Jets add another tight end in the draft. The fourth or fifth round seems like the sweet spot.

Virginia's Jelani Woods would be an exciting Day 3 pick and someone with the upside to develop into a real weapon in the Jets' offense. Standing at a massive 6-foot-7, 259 pounds, Woods is a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.

A former high school quarterback, Woods is a good athlete for a player his size and a capable in-line blocker, who should only get better in that area of his game.

He's underdeveloped as a tight end given that he's only been playing the position for a few years, but if you're looking for an enticing high-upside tight end prospect on Day 3 (if he makes it that far), you aren't going to do any better than Jelani Woods.