NY Jets go the Kyle Hamilton route in 7-round 2022 NFL Mock Draft

After taking a week off to do our first full 32-pick first-round 2022 NFL mock draft, we're back on Friday with yet another NY Jets mock draft. But this time, we decided a little twist could be fun.

We've seen countless mock scenarios with players like Evan Neal, Ikem Ekwonu, and even Kayvon Thibodeaux going to the Jets at pick No. 4. But what if they went a different, unexpected route?

What if they went the Kyle Hamilton route? This isn't necessarily the pick that I would want the Jets to make, but I figured it would be fun to see how our mock draft unfolded with the caveat that Hamilton had to be picked first.

With the help of Pro Football Network's mock simulator, let's take a look at our latest seven-round 2022 Jets mock draft.

Round 1, 4th Overall, NY Jets: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame

Again, this isn't necessarily the pick I would make. Kyle Hamilton is undeniably one of the best talents in this class and easily the best safety prospect the NFL has seen in years.

If you were to build an NFL safety in a factory, it would look something like Hamilton. The former Notre Dame star stands at 6-foot-4, 220 pounds and he blends that incredible size and length with otherworldly speed and athleticism.

His physical gifts are undeniable and he might just be the most intelligent, savvy safety prospect in this class as well. Kyle Hamilton is the complete package, and legitimately one of the best NFL Draft prospects I've ever seen.

But a safety? In the top five? It's hard to see the Jets pulling the trigger. But in this scenario, they do. Now let's see how that affects the rest of the mock draft.

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.

Round 2, 38th Overall, NY Jets: Trey McBride, TE, Colorado State

Trey McBride has been one of the most consistent picks for the Jets in mock drafts this year — not that that should come as much of a surprise. McBride is arguably the best tight end prospect in this class and someone the Jets got to work with closely at the Senior Bowl.

At 6-foot-4, 260 pounds, McBride was an incredibly productive player at Colorado State serving as the focal point of his team's entire offense. He has an NFL-ready frame with a well-rounded set of receiving skills that should allow him to be productive early in his career.

He's no slouch as a blocker either as his competitive drive and size help him mask technical deficiencies in that area of his game. McBride is as well-rounded as they come.

The Jets are desperate for tight end help and they manage to land a pretty good one here in Trey McBride.

Round 3, 69th Overall, NY Jets: Boye Mafe, EDGE, Minnesota

The Jets would love to add a game-changing pass rusher early in the draft, but in this scenario, the opportunity just didn't present itself. That doesn't mean they can't find a player with that type of upside in the middle rounds, however.

Minnesota's Boye Mafe helped his stock with a standout showing at the Senior Bowl, and he has the physical tools to make him an intriguing developmental pass-rusher prospect on Day 2 or 3 of the draft.

At 6-foot-4, 265 pounds, Mafe blends good size with outstanding explosiveness. He plays with a high motor which allows him to make the most of his athletic traits.

His lack of technical refinement probably makes him more of a rotational/developmental player early in his career, but with the right development, he has the potential to be the star pass rusher the Jets are searching for.

Round 4, 109th Overall, NY Jets: Jamaree Salyer, OG, Georgia

Even after drafting Ikem Ekwonu, the Jets could still use some extra offensive line help, especially at guard. Georgia's Jamaree Salyer primarily played tackle in college, but most project him as a guard at the NFL level.

Salyer only has average length at 6-foot-4, 325 pounds, but his natural power and balance make him a strong candidate to develop into a starting-caliber interior player in the future.

The Jets already have their left guard of the future in Alijah Vera-Tucker, but their right guard position is more of a question mark. Salyer can come in and compete for snaps as a rookie while the Jets hopefully develop him into a future starter.

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Round 4, 115th Overall, NY Jets: Troy Andersen, LB, Montana State

Troy Andersen is one of my favorite prospects in this class. The FCS product played quarterback, running back, and linebacker at Montana State making him one of the most fun, versatile prospects in this year's draft.

At 6-foot-4, 233 pounds, his future is more than likely at linebacker, but any team that drafts him would be wise to draw up some trick plays for him on offense. Mike LaFleur could have some fun with that.

More importantly, Andersen has the skill set the Jets are looking for at the linebacker position. He's an outstanding athlete with real sideline-to-sideline speed even at his size. He's also never one to shy away from contact and is an explosive tackler.

I don't think he's someone who should start early given his inexperience and technical flaws, but Andersen projects as a plus special-teamer who can legitimately contribute to all three phases of the game.

Round 5, 145th Overall, NY Jets: Cam Taylor-Britt, CB, Nebraska

The Jets seem to be more content with their cornerback group than most probably realize, and if they were to draft someone like Kyle Hamilton early, I think addressing the secondary becomes an even smaller priority for the team.

That said, Nebraska's Cam Taylor-Britt is someone I was shocked to still see on the board at this spot. He's a legitimate Day 2 prospect who can compete for starting reps early in his career.

At 6-foot, 205 pounds, Taylor-Britt is an impressive athlete who shined as a quarterback in high school before making the switch to defense. He's physical in run support with the instincts and range to excel in zone coverage.

In such a deep cornerback class, a player like Taylor-Britt could be overlooked. If he manages to fall all the way to the fifth round, the Jets should hesitate.

Round 5, 162nd Overall, NY Jets: Hassan Haskins, RB, Michigan

We end this draft with yet another player who I'd be shocked if they fell this far. Michigan's Hassan Haskins can make a strong case to be a top-five running back in this class.

He's a powerful downhill runner with great size at 6-foot-1, 220 pounds. He runs with excellent contact balance and is especially effective between the tackles.

The Jets already have Michael Carter, but they're missing a true inside power runner. Haskins gives them that and more. On top of his raw power, Haskins is an impressive pass blocker and he can show the occasional burst as well.

A duo of Carter and Haskins should be enough to get Jets fans excited about the future of the team's ground game.