NY Jets go the Kyle Hamilton route in 7-round 2022 NFL Mock Draft
By Justin Fried
Round 1, 10th Overall, NY Jets: Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC State
Full disclosure, I don't expect NC State's Ikem Ekwonu to still be on the board when the Jets pick again at No. 10 overall. I wouldn't even count on him making it out of the top five. But hey, I wasn't going to complain either.
If not for the Kyle Hamilton caveat, this is the player I would have taken fourth overall. Ekwonu is a powerful offensive line prospect who has a well-rounded skill set that should allow him to play at a high level early in his career.
Primarily a left tackle at NC State, Ekwonu could compete with Mekhi Becton and George Fant for the starting left tackle job as a rookie, shift over to right tackle, or even play some right guard giving the Jets true flexibility along their offensive line.
This is a top-five talent the Jets somehow managed to snag at the back end of the top-10. After drafting Kyle Hamilton, this is about the best-case scenario for Gang Green.
Round 2, 35th Overall, NY Jets: Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State
This is another player who very well could be taken earlier than this spot. Penn State's Jahan Dotson is one of a number of very talented wide receiver prospects in this year's draft class.
But rather than use a top-10 pick on a potential star receiver, we managed to land one with considerable upside just outside the first round, not too dissimilar to the Elijah Moore situation last year.
Dotson is a downfield vertical threat who uses his speed and crafty route running to create separation and take the top off defenses. He isn't huge at just 5-foot-11, 184 pounds, but Dotson's explosiveness and separation skills make him a perfect fit in Mike LaFleur's offense.
The Jets don't really have a receiver that can consistently stretch the field. Dotson solves that problem instantly.