Week 1 NFL mock drafts feature wide number of NY Jets possibilities

New York Jets lack consensus in Week 1 2022 NFL mock drafts

You know how the NFL Draft community rolls. It is never too early to put together a mock draft predicting the outcome of the following year’s pecking order.

Never.

We’re just one week into the 2021 NFL regular season and the mock drafts are already piling up. Who do various mock drafters have the 0-1 New York Jets selecting with their two first-round selections in the 2022 draft?

CBS Sports (Chris Trapasso)

• Round 1, Pick 3: OL Evan Neal (Alabama)
• Round 1, Pick 24 (via Seattle): EDGE Zach Harrison (Ohio St.)

Evan Neal is a 6-foot-7, 351-pound mammoth offensive lineman who has experience at three different positions. He was Alabama’s starting left guard in 2019 and their starting right tackle in 2020 before moving to left tackle this season.

Zach Harrison is a physical freak of an edge rusher who stands at 6-foot-6 and 268 pounds and has reportedly been clocked at a 4.47 in the forty-yard dash. He only had 5.5 sacks over 17 career games entering 2021, so he is an upside-based prospect for now, but his tools are enticing. He projects as a great fit at defensive end in an attacking 4-3 scheme like the one that the Jets run.

CBS Sports (Josh Edwards)

• Round 1, Pick 3: EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux (Oregon)
• Round 1, Pick 24: LB Devin Lloyd (Utah)

Kayvon Thibodeaux may be the most-hyped prospect of the 2022 class. The 6-foot-5, 258-pound edge rusher has 24.5 tackles for loss in only 21 career games and is considered a future star. As things currently stand, the Jets would probably be lucky to get him at No. 3.

Devin Lloyd is a versatile off-ball linebacker for Utah who can play MIKE, WILL and even some edge. The 6-foot-3, 232-pound ‘backer had 48 tackles with 10 of them going for a loss over only five games in 2020.

CBS Sports (Ryan Wilson)

• Round 1, Pick 3: OL Evan Neal (Alabama)
• Round 1, Pick 24: OL Ikem Ekwonu (NC State)

The Jets go back-to-back on the offensive line, sending them into 2022 with four homegrown first-round picks on their starting-five offensive line as Evan Neal and Ikem Ekwonu join Mekhi Becton and Alijah Vera-Tucker.

In the mold of Vera-Tucker, Ekwonu has played both left tackle and left guard for the Wolfpack, earning second-team All-ACC honors at both positions in 2020. The 6-foot-4, 320-pounder is best known for his remarkable competitive drive and finishing ability.

Pro Football Network (Ian Cummings)

• Round 1, Pick 4: S Kyle Hamilton (Notre Dame)
• Round 1, Pick 24: RB Isaiah Spiller (Texas A&M)

Notre Dame’s Kyle Hamilton is a highly versatile safety who is known for his great tackling and uniquely long frame (6-foot-4, 219 pounds). The Jets could be in great need of a safety next offseason as Marcus Maye’s franchise tag expires. Ashtyn Davis’ development throughout the 2021 season will play a great role in determining how aggressive the Jets will need to be at this position.

The 6-foot-1, 225-pound Isaiah Spiller rushed for 1,036 yards and nine touchdowns on 5.5 yards per carry for the Aggies over 10 games in 2020. He also caught 20 passes for 193 yards.

Draft Wire (Luke Easterling)

• Round 1, Pick 4: EDGE George Karlaftis (Purdue)
• Round 1, Pick 23: CB Sevyn Banks (Ohio St.)

Purdue’s George Karlaftis is a 6-foot-4, 275-pound defensive end. He is not known for “bendiness” but is lauded for his technique and hand usage.

Sevyn Banks is a high-upside prospect. The Ohio State cornerback stands at 6-foot-1 and 200 pounds with tremendous all-around athleticism and physical tools but has a lot to work on when it comes to his coverage technique.

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