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

The NY Jets made a pretty sizable splash in free agency this offseason adding impact players on both sides of the ball. The likes of Laken Tomlinson, D.J. Reed, and Jordan Whitehead — among others — will go a long way toward filling some of the most notable holes on the roster.

Still, it's clear that there's still work to be done. Fortunately, the Jets just so happen to possess four top-40 picks and nine picks inside the first five rounds of the 2022 NFL Draft.

General manager Joe Douglas has always been someone who abides by the philosophy of building through the draft. He's a former scout who understands that to win in this league, you need to have young core players on rookie contracts.

This year's draft will undoubtedly be crucial for the organization. With the help of The Draft Network's Mock Machine, let's take a look at the results from our first post-free agency 2022 NFL Mock Draft.

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

It seems rather obvious that the Jets will look to add an edge rusher with one of their two first-round picks, and if Oregon's Kayvon Thibodeaux is still on the board when they pick at No. 4 overall, they shouldn't hesitate.

For as much pre-draft criticism as Thibodeaux has received, it's impossible to ignore how great of a talent he is. At 6-foot-4, 254 pounds, Thibodeaux is an excellent athlete with great bend and explosiveness.

His ceiling is as high as any player in this draft, and when you're drafting in the top-five, you want to base your picks on projection. Thibodeaux projects as a future All-Pro if he continues to develop in the NFL.

Ignore the outside noise about his motor. Ignore the smokescreens being laid by other teams' scouts. Thibodeaux would be a slam-dunk pick at this spot, and he's my personal favorite target for the Jets at four until further notice.