The New York Jets enter the 2022 NFL Draft with an overwhelming amount of draft capital, boasting a pair of top-10 and top-four picks to continue the rebuild. While the fourth pick will be made by New York, there are plenty of trade possibilities with the other selections.
New York needs to build a better team around quarterback Zach Wilson. The franchise failed to put an adequate offensive line and receiving corps around him in 2021, which proved costly. In order for the Jets to avoid Wilson following the Sam Darnold trajectory, big moves need to be made during the NFL Draft.
Fortunately, there are plenty of options. Teams desperate for a quarterback or a general manager angling for a top offensive tackle or cornerback sliding down the board might want to jump up to the 10th pick. Another possibility, swinging a blockbuster trade for a wide receiver like Deebo Samuel or DK Metcalf.
Related: 2022 NFL mock draft
Before we dive into draft-day trade scenarios for the New York Jets, here’s a quick overview of their 2022 draft capital.
New York Jets draft picks 2022
- 1st round: 4th overall
- 1st round: 10th overall (via SEA)
- 2nd round: 35th overall
- 2nd round: 38th overall (via CAR)
- 3rd round: 69th overall
- 4th round: 111th overall (via CAR)
- 4th round: 117th overall (via MIN)
- 5th round: 146th overall
- 5th round: 163rd overall (via. PIT)
New Orleans Saints make pick swap with Jets
The great thing about the 2022 draft class is its depth at wide receiver and edge rusher. More than likely, New York can either grab the top wideout on its board or a pass rusher it covets. With that said, we also know, per NBC Sports’ Peter King, that the front office ideally wants to trade back to gain future picks.
- New York Jets trade: 10th overall pick:
- New Orleans Saints trade: 16th pick, 98th overall pick, 120th pick, Saints’ 2023 second-round pick
This stands out as an ideal situation for the Jets. The New Orleans Saints likely will be a bottom-15 team next year, making that 2023 first-round pick a top-50 selection. Instead of receiving a second-round pick this year, Douglas would gain one next year and receive a few Day 2 picks in exchange.
At the 16th pick, the Jets can snag a player like Chris Olave. Thanks to his route-running ability, he’s instantly ready to step in Week 1 as a starter. He’d also be a nice fit in the offense, providing Wilson with a security option who consistently gets open.
DK Metcalf traded to New York Jets
Deebo Samuel is an extremely attractive option who should be on New York’s radar. However, DK Metcalf will likely be a more affordable option. Whereas the San Francsico 49ers might insist on the 10th pick for their All-Pro weapon, there’s a chance Seattle could be talked into a different trade package for Metcalf.
- New York Jets acquire: DK Metcalf
- Seattle Seahawks acquire: 35th overall pick, 69th overall pick, 111th overall pick
This is a price the Jets are in a great position to pay. Thanks to the Darnold trade, New York would still hold an early pick in Round 2. In this scenario, the franchise uses the 4th pick on offensive tackle Ikem Ekwonu, the 10th selection on cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. and it adds a Pro Bowl wideout to help Wilson out.
It might be the dream scenario in New York, building a structure to help out a young quarterback and provide defensive-minded coach Robert Saleh with the help he needs.
New York acquires a third 2022 first-round pick
It would certainly be understandable if the franchise wants to stay put with its second-round picks, waiting until Day 2 to add more talent. However, front offices need to be aggressive at times and Douglas might see an opportunity to move up at a reasonable cost.
- New York Jets trade: 38th pick, 117th pick
- Green Bay Packers trade: 28th pick, 228th pick
New York could go in a variety of directions here, it all depends on its selections with the previous two first-round picks. If the Jets take an edge rusher at No. 4 and a wide receiver at No. 10, Douglas can move back into Round 1 for a sliding cornerback (Trent McDuffie) or offensive tackle (Trevor Penning). If he takes a tackle and cornerback with his top picks, then wide receiver and edge rusher become options.
In this scenario, the Jets added Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner to the secondary and provided Wilson with a WR1 in Drake London. Seeing some intriguing edge rushers still available, the New York Jets leap ahead of teams needing to improve their pass rush. Ebiketie, a 6-foot-2 edge rusher who racked up 52 pressures last year (PFF), is an intriguing option for Saleh’s defense.
Related: See where New York Jets land in 2022 NFL power rankings