New York Jets lead the top 3 winners of 2022 NFL Draft Day 1
The first round of the 2022 NFL Draft was a night to remember. When the night came to an end, which franchise went home with bragging rights for having the best first round?
Anticipation filled the air in Las Vegas on Thursday, April 28th. Fans who traveled to support their favorite team gathered close to the Caesar Forum to engage in the festivities.
When 8 PM struck, Commissioner Rodger Goodell addressed a sea of jerseys awaiting the first pick.
On a night full of emotion and entertainment, several collegiate athletes saw their dreams of becoming a professional come true. The addition of fresh talent caused the values of a few teams to rise. After a busy night of drafting, who won round one?
1. New York Jets draft with Zach Wilson in mind
Protecting the endzone was a problem for Robert Saleh and the Jets coaching staff in 2021. While the team worked on developing their air attack with their rookie quarterback Zach Wilson, their secondary struggled to defend the pass.
New York finished the season ranked as one of the worst defenses against opposing quarterbacks.
Jeff Ulbrich and his squad allowed 4,409 passing yards in 2021. Their solution to their problem presented itself in the first round. With the fourth pick in the draft, the New York Jets selected one of college’s best cornerbacks.
Ahmad Gardner’s career at the University of Cincinnati spoke volumes for the newest Jet. Performances on the field earned Gardner the ACC Defensive Player of the year award.
Locking up opponents has helped the consensus All-American develop a name for himself, but his aggressiveness does not go unnoticed. Gardner’s 99 career tackles will help New York against the run.
Pressuring the quarterback could also help the New York Jets have a more productive year on defense. A Trade with the Tenessee Titans put New York in a prime position to grab a defensive stud.
Florida State’s Jermaine Johnson’s athletic ability, high motor, and size made him the right man for the job. Many analysts projected Johnson to fly off the draft board. His 11.5 sacks his senior year showed how disruptive the former Seminole could be.
Saleh and the Jets drafted a weapon for Zach Wilson’s development as well.
With the 10th overall pick, New York acquired Garrett Wilson from the Ohio State University. While at Ohio Wilson made name for himself by making big plays in the air. His 23 career touchdowns will give New York’s second-year starter help on offense.