NY Jets add star EDGE and OT in 7-round 2022 NFL Mock Draft

The NY Jets are less than two weeks away from the start of free agency, which means we're one step closer to having a better idea of what their 2022 NFL Draft class might look like.

It's always difficult to project mock drafts without first knowing the moves a team will make in free agency, but that just adds more flexibility on our end. The possibilities are limitless!

This week's mock draft operates under the assumption that the Jets were aggressive in their pursuit of the offensive line and secondary in free agency. Ideally, the Jets would have come away with a starting right guard and a possible No. 1 cornerback in this scenario.

With that being said, let's take a look at the results of our latest seven-round 2022 NFL Mock Draft with the help of The Draft Network's Mock Machine.

Round 1, 4th Overall, NY Jets: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon

If the Jets are able to address the offensive line in free agency with a player like James Daniels, my No. 1 target with this pick becomes Oregon pass rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux, assuming Aidan Hutchinson is off the board.

Thibodeaux is a premier pass-rusher prospect with the athletic tools to become an All-Pro at the next level. While not quite on the level of someone like Nick Bosa, Thibodeaux has an explosive first step and plays with a relentless motor and a high football IQ.

Concerns of his work ethic reek are reminiscent of similar things that were said about fellow Oregon product Justin Herbert prior to the draft. That's to say that there's no concrete basis to any of them.

If the Jets have the chance to add a true star pass rusher at this spot, I don't think they pass. Kayvon Thibodeaux is a Robert Saleh dream come true.