New York Jets’ 2022 NFL draft strategy will be impacted by the demand for quarterbacks
Last year, the New York Jets drafted a first-round quarterback for the second time in four years. With second overall pick Zach Wilson slated to start his sophomore season this upcoming September, the Jets will be out of the QB market this offseason.
That said, the strength (or lack thereof) of the 2022 QB class could still affect the Jets and their offseason strategy.
First and foremost, it’s important to take note of the top quarterback prospects in the 2022 NFL draft. Unlike most years, there’s not a clear number one. There’s no Trevor Lawrence, there’s no Joe Burrow, and there’s no Kyler Murray.
As of mid-January, there does seem to be a consensus top six, though: Ole Miss’ Matt Corral, Pittsburgh’s Kenny Pickett, Liberty’s Malik Willis, North Carolina’s Sam Howell, Cincinnati’s Desmond Ridder, and Nevada’s Carson Strong.
Even for a QB-needy team, it would be hard to picture one of these six going first overall. And they likely won’t, but at least a couple could sneak their way into the top 10, which could change the Jets’ draft strategy.
The Jets will select at Nos. 4 and 10 in the 2022 NFL draft, and as previously stated, will be out of the QB market. At the same time, they have one of the worst overall rosters in the NFL. If more players that your team doesn’t need are being drafted around where you pick, it will ultimately help you in bettering your team.
There are two main ways that the number of teams in the QB market could help the Jets. First, someone ahead of them takes a QB, causing prospects at positions of need to drop into their lap. Second, if a team behind the Jets at four or 10 wants to trade up to take a QB, general manager Joe Douglas could move down and get more draft capital to build his roster.
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The number of teams in the market for a QB is important because it will dictate the number of picks used on QBs, as well as how much teams are willing to give up in trades and how likely they are to reach on a QB prospect because of positional value.
As of now, it is unlikely that any team ahead of the Jets at four will take a QB. The Jaguars have Trevor Lawrence, the Lions are in a premium position to land a bluechip edge rusher, and the Texans will presumably want to see what they have in Davis Mills, who they drafted in the third round last year.
After the Jets selection at four, however, almost every team from five to nine could possibly be in the market for a QB: the Giants, the Panthers, the Giants again, the Falcons, and the Broncos.
Aside from the Falcons and Matt Ryan, the three other teams head into the offseason with uncertainty at the position. With the Giants and Broncos hiring new head coaches in the coming weeks, comfortability with their current starting QBs could change from now until the draft.
Other teams that could potentially trade up with the Jets or in front of them for a QB include the Washington Football Team, the Vikings, the Browns, the Saints, and the Steelers.
There is a lot of time left until the draft in April, and QBs will rise and fall on big boards throughout that time frame, but it’s something Joe Douglas and his staff will likely be keeping an eye on. Sometimes teams overvalue taking a QB in the first round because of the value of having a good one, so reaching for a lesser talent is commonplace in the NFL.
A weaker QB class often will hurt teams that aren’t even in the market for a QB because prospects at positions of need will fly off the board, but with so many teams needy at the position, organizations like the Jets could take advantage.
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Evaluations of draft boards and most teams needs, expect Jets to definitely trade down #4 for best offer, to gather more picks in 2022 and/or 2023 draft; With #10 pick, Jets can acquire the best OL available, e.g. OC from Iowa, or OLB, DL. There are several Edge rushers available in Round 2 along with all top 5 TEs. Expect Jets to acquire another Round 2 pick in 2022 draft.
I hope there is a team willing to give up what it takes to get to #4. My feeling is they MUST get the best WR on the board with one of their 1st two picks. Look at last year’s “draft chatter” about how the Bengals needed to draft the OT Sewell from Oregon but they took Chase. They got some second guessing since Burrow needed protecting. How did that work out for them? Zach needs a weapon like Chase, Jefferson, Adams, Diggs, Deebo Samuel etc. to really get this offense to take off. I actually think WR is their #1 MUST have position. They still need too much to fill every hole this off-season. I’d rather keep going with CB group they have and miss out on adding a top CB but get the best WR.
Jets #1 need on offense is TE; there are 3-5 top players in Round 2 and 3; a trade
out of #4 slot could reap 2 TEs drafted or if defense 2 LBs! The GM was influenced by HC in 2021 draft but GM on his own in 2020; the draft results for those 2 years are polar opposites. As for WR, a high-quality vet in FA should be expected based on cap results from signings of Jet FA’s, e.g. K Eddie Pinero, #10, #20, or #72.
I agree with your comment on the HC’s influence on the 2021 draft compared to 2020. I hope the combination of JD’s scouts’ evaluation formula plus input from this coaching staff is what lead to the banner 2021 crop. If so, those things are usually repeatable and bodes well moving forward. 2020 drafting for Gase’s system is irrelevant to the go-forward. People knocking JD for the misses in 2020 (as a blot on his ability) are agenda driven. That analysis can only be made after seeing repeated patterns over at least 3 draft seasons.
The REAL issue is the composition of the Jets QB depth chart going forward. IMO, GM did a very good job with the 2021 depth chart despite media criticism. GM has stated a re-signing of Joe Flacco is quite feasible, which I concur. Why? Mike White is a RFA which Jets can tag at a 2nd Round slot at a $5.5M cap hit. White surely has more value than most if not all draftees but for teams not in need of a #1, but rather for a team in contention with a QB of injury history or lost of QB in FA. 49ers top list followed in no order by Rams, Dolphins, Saints, Steelers, Redskins, Bucs. If Flacco signs, and White gets at offer at or above the RFA cap number, expect Jets to take the 2nd Round pick option for 2023.
The Colts could come calling too.
Adding a pick would be ideal, I don’t think any QB will increase their value to 4 but you never know with QB’s. I think the Steelers will be the top choice for pick 10 especially if Pickett is on the board. My feeling is the Jets will pick at 4, then again at 10 and try to trade back into round 1 for a 3rd pick, either a CB or LB.
This is a scenario I’ve been evaluating and actually hope comes to fruition. You identified all the QB needy teams (except I think the Browns have a decent one), and the Jets could extract more 2nd and/or 3rd round ammo if teams want to jump others. If I’m JD I would pull the trigger more than once on trade downs if teams call and the offers are attractive enough. This draft is well balanced to get good players at positions of need up and down the board. Coaching at the Senior Bowl is going to be very handy. Also, unlike last year, the team needs are very clearly understood this year.
I agree with everything you said PSI. Except the needs not being clear last year. Same needs. EDGE CB S OL WR TE LB. Just about everything as usual. Lol. I think and hope In FA we add 4-5 pieces. So that there’s maximum draft flexibility. I love trading down. This year especially. I have an eye on Kyle Hamilton and Nakobe Dean in the 1st round and think we could get both AND trade down. Top TE n OL In 2nd round.
Hi Jim…with respect to the clarity of needs comment, I think what I am trying to convey is that after the 2021 season with Saleh’s guys, his scheme as well as the performance of the players, we have a much better sense of who can perform in this system as well as the future capabilities of the younger players in particular, to know where you can prioritize premium player acquisitions. For example, for me, CB & RB are less of a need than would have been known 12 months ago based on young player emergence this year. I know some may disagree on the CB spot. Simultaneously TE , Edge, WR, LB and S are must improves along with the IOL. OT and DT are still needs IMO but less than the others. Just one man’s opinion. Thanks for the engagement.
Totally understand now. I know JD’s first draft was really bad, but he was drafting for Adam Gase who had no defensive system and I kinda think in the back of my mind JD knew he had 6 years and wanted to get rid of Gase. He was trying to draft well, but maybe not too well. NOW he has a coach with a system and who knows the kind of guys he wants. Can’t wait.
Major changes in the Jets scouting department, initiated by JD, after the 2020 draft
Before the draft, there is the question of the tender put on Restricted Free Agent QB, Mike White. Interesting to find out how JD values White, and if he generates any interest from other teams. I’m in the second round Tender group.
Giant at 5, Carolina at 6 could be looking for QB’s. If your looking for a QB you may have to trade with the Jets
Imagine fleecing Carolina again????? First got Darnold and then for Corral or Pickett???? Oh man!!!
Carolina is desperate, . The problem with the Panthers is the Comp would be primarily in 2023