With The First Pick
Fansided

New York Jets future hinges on the 2022 NFL Draft

By Geoffrey Godfrey

New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson (2). Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson (2). Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /
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Purdue defensive end George Karlaftis (5) celebrates a stop during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette. Cfb Purdue Vs Indiana
Purdue defensive end George Karlaftis (5) celebrates a stop during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette. Cfb Purdue Vs Indiana /

Three players the Jets should target with the fourth overall pick.

The Jets will have no lack of options at the 4th overall pick in the draft. However, the three picks before them could drastically change what they do. Should it go as predicted with Neal, OT Alabama, Thibodeaux, EDGE Oregon, and Hutchinson, EDGE Michigan, the Jets may be forced with a reach.

If all three of those players are gone the Jets may be forced to reach a little for a need. The fourth overall pick would be too high for a wide receiver and there are enough in free agency. So it looks like it will come down to these three players.

1. Kyle Hamilton, S Notre Dame.
Which would make him one of the highest-drafted defensive backs for a while. He is a unique hybrid safety and if they can hold onto Marcus Maye, putting them together will be an amazing combo. It will also allow for Ashytn Davis to be able to stay in nickel or slot and not have to focus on safety. Hamilton is one of those do-it-all hybrid safeties and has great sideline to sideline speed.

2. Ikem Ekwonu, OL NC State.
At the end of the year, the Jets finally got the running game going, but they still struggled in pass protection. After investing so much in the last draft in offensive skill players and taking a QB with their first, they need to protect the quarterback. Zach Wilson however mobile as he is can’t do much if he’s sacked in three seconds. Ekwonu is a large human on the offensive line and could create a great bookend to Bechton or if he pushes inside will allow for that zone running scheme that the second-year Jets head coach wanted to bring over from San Fransisco.

3. George Karlaftis, EDGE Purdue.
At one point in the year, Karlaftis looked like he could possibly be the first or second overall pick. But, then Hutchinson came on strong and Neal from Alabama seemed to solidify himself as the top offensive linemen in the draft. After putting money into the defensive line last year with Lawson, the Jets have shown pass rush is a major priority for their defense. Karflaftis fits the bill for the system and what the Jets want to do. A defensive line with Karlaftis, Lawson, and Williams could not only be a top-end DL for years to come to no matter who the other defensive tackle is, but it could help out vastly with the weaknesses in the secondary.

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