NY Jets overhaul defensive line in Georgia-heavy 7-round 2022 NFL Mock Draft

The NY Jets will have their fair share of options when it comes to addressing their needs in the 2022 NFL Draft. We should have a clearer picture of how they might attack the draft in a few weeks, once the dust from free agency had settled.

But with the official start of free agency right around the corner, we put together one final 2022 NFL Mock Draft. What positions did the Jets address? Let's take a look at our latest results.

Round 1, 4th Overall, NY Jets: Travon Walker, DE, Georgia

The New York Jets are in desperate need of a football identity. The rebuilding franchise hasn't had a clear strength since the Rex Ryan-led defensive unit carried the club to postseason success nearly a decade ago.

Unlike the disastrous Adam Gase regime, the new coaching era brings reasons for optimism under Robert Saleh's leadership. However, in order for the Jets to properly gauge their progress, they must provide a competent roster for the defensive expert. Thankfully, the top of the 2022 NFL Draft is loaded with defensive talent, particularly on the defensive line.

Many mock drafts have the Jets snagging star pass rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux with the 4th overall pick. However, I agree with Walter Football's analysis that New York would be wisest to pass on the Oregon star in favor of Georgia defensive end Travon Walker.

The 2022 Georgia Bulldogs featured the best defense I've seen in college football since the late 1990s Miami Hurricanes unit that featured superstars Ed Reed, Sean Taylor, Jonathon Vilma, and Vince Wilfork. This historically dominant Bulldogs defense was also clearly headlined by their devastating defensive line.

The most valuable commodity in the modern NFL is an elite quarterback. The Jets hope to develop Zach Wilson into this type of talent. Secondly, a genuine argument can be made that the ability to pressure the quarterback without blitzing is the next most important trait a team can possess.

Walker possesses all-world athleticism and immense upside. He would be a phenomenal fit as a Nick Bosa-type role that led Saleh to such success during his last stint in San Francisco.

Walker excels in speed, size, and strength. He has also drawn praise for his flexibility and ability to line up in multiple schemes. the negative points in his scouting report generally deal with technical issues. This would make him an ideal fit alongside a great defensive mind like Saleh.

Jets' fans may criticize this selection, opting instead to put another player in this slot. However, top draft analysts including Daniel Jeremiah (and many others) agree that Walker has the upside and skillset to warrant a top-five pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.

I would personally be thrilled to see New York add him to the fold this offseason. Especially considering...

Round 1, 10th Overall, NY Jets: Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia

Remember all that talk about finding a clear identity? How about that bit about the Georgia defensive line being historically dominant?

The Jets have myriad needs. However, their biggest need is to establish a unit that opposing teams fear. If New York truly hopes to compete against a top-tier Buffalo Bills team, an always dangerous New England Patriots squad, and an up-and-coming Miami Dolphins roster, they need a group of playmakers that can take over a game and lead their young roster to wins.

Full disclosure, Jordan Davis is one of my favorite players in this draft. It's unique to see a player of his stature 6-foot-6, 341lbs, move with such grace and speed.

Davis wowed at the annual NFL Combine when he posted a ridiculous 40-yard-dash time of 4.78 seconds. He also recorded a 32" vertical jump and a broad jump of 123".

The Bulldogs star has drawn pre-draft comparisons to former No. 9 overall pick and multi-time Pro-Bowler defensive tackle John Henderson. He has the dual ability to produce a pass rush up the middle, while drawing double-teams and disrupting the run game.

While it should not be overemphasized, the notion of pairing Davis with former colligate teammate Travon Walker could prove valuable.

The duo is already comfortable playing alongside one another, they are aware of each other's strengths and weaknesses, and they know how to dominate from two different positions.

Pairing these two former UGA stars at the professional level would immediately give the Jets one of the most interesting and dangerous defensive lines in football. What better way to build the franchise around Saleh's identity?

Round 2, 35th Overall, NY Jets: Zion Johnson, OG, Boston College

How can the Jets justify targeting two defensive linemen with two premium first-round picks? Thankfully, New York also possesses two high-value second-round selections.

Now that the defensive line has been secured, New York would be wise to turn their attention to the other side of the trenches: the offensive line. While the franchise does need to add playmakers to help with the development of Zach Wilson, they can also support their young QB by investing in his protection.

The top offensive tackles will already be off the board by pick No. 35. However, the third-best interior offensive lineman could still be on the board: Boston College guard Zion Johnson. Guard play doesn't draw the same fanfare as skill position talent. Yet, the ability to control the line is immensely valuable.

The Boston College centerpiece has drawn comparisons to 10-year veteran Kevin Zeitler. While Johnson does have experience playing tackle, his weakness against blitzes and spin moves make him much better suited to play on the interior offensive line.

This selection should provide New York with a starting-caliber guard who can grow alongside his equally young QB.

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

I am not a Georgia fan, although I am tempted to further go all-in on their defensive line by snagging defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt with this pick. While this would be a luxury, the Jets simply have too many other needs to further invest assets in the defensive line.

Instead, the Jets would be wise to consider adding one of the draft's best tight ends at this slot.

Trey McBride was one of college football's best tight ends last season. Despite drawing massive attention on an underwhelming Colorado State team, McBride was able to post 91 catches and 1,125 yards.

His upside as a receiver has drawn comparisons to Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper. Either such player would give Zach Wilson the type of safety net that he has never enjoyed in his professional career.

McBride must build strength in order to competently block at the next level, but his ball skills are unquestioned. He would make a great primary draft addition to the skill position room, while New York pivots to adding wide receiver help in free agency or via the trade market.

Round 3, 69th Overall, NY Jets: Darrian Beavers, LB, Cincinnati

If most mock drafts and big boards hold true, there should be a trio of potential linebacker additions available in this range. Penn State's Brandon Smith is the best of the bunch but is most likely to have already come off the board.

This leaves Montana State's Troy Andersen and Cincinnati's Darrian Beavers as the Jets' best options. While both are comparable prospects, Beavers' experience against major-conference competition gives him the slight edge.

Last season, the Jets were fourth-worst in the league in run defense, allowing 138.3 rushing yards per game. The protected additions of Walker and Davis in the first round will pay dividends in correcting this issue. Targeting a linebacker with their third-round pick will further bolster this unit.

Round 4, 109th Overall, NY Jets: Spencer Burford, OL, UTSA

Drafting an offensive lineman is a dart throw at this point in the draft. spencer Burford however, is a four-year starter with excellent foot speed and experience at both left and right tackle as well as left and right guard.

A Swiss army knife-type player with plenty of reps under his belt certainly warrants a look at pick No. 110.

Round 4, 115th Overall, NY Jets: DeAngelo Malone, EDGE, Western Kentucky

Let's stick with a fourth-round theme of adding versatile players from smaller schools. DeAngelo Malone is a noticeably raw prospect with top-tier speed, but underwhelming strength.

It will be critical that he hit the weight room early and often if he hopes to succeed at the NFL level. However, he has the speed and versatility (with experience at linebacker and edge rusher) to develop into a solid situational pass rusher.

Round 5, 145th Overall, NY Jets: Lecitus Smith, OG, Virginia Tech

The Jets continue to build the trenches with the selection of Lecitus Smith. The Virginia Tech prospect is an absolute unit on the offensive line. While he is a bit shorter at just 6-foot-3 and 314 pounds, his best skill is his tremendous strength and leverage.

He is strong, mean, and extremely physical. While his smaller size and shorter arms may cap his ceiling, Smith would be a welcome addition as a developmental offensive line.

Round 5, 162nd Overall, NY Jets: Marquan McCall, DT, Kentucky

Oddly, the Jets do not own a pick in the sixth or seventh round, thus, making pick No. 163 their final selection in the 2022 NFL Draft. Marquan McCall is the perfect final note of New York's draft.

The Kentucky product is the definition of a space-eater. He is 341 pounds, has a reputation for being physical and rugged, and perhaps most importantly, he is incredibly strong.

McCall does not move particularly gracefully and has slower foot speed. At best, he could develop into an early down-nose tackle. His floor seems closer to a goal line and specialist in obvious running situations.

He is a worthy addition to what could become a very dangerous Jets defensive Line.