Top 5 most improved teams after the 2022 NFL Draft
Most improved team after 2022 NFL Draft no 1: New York Jets
Joe Douglas is the man of the hour in New York City. His draft outshined the New York Giants, who didn’t do half bad. The New York Jets made the top of the list because Douglas was aggressive and drafted value, need, and talent.
He went into the draft with a plan to get Zack Wilson some weapons — he did. However, it didn’t happen until after he drafted the Cincinnati corner, Ahmad Gardner.
The No. 4 overall pick is a media darling because of his nickname, Sauce. Of course, the 6-3 209-pound corner is more than a marketing magnet. He’s a long, rangy corner who does his best work at the line of scrimmage.
Gardner is an ideal fit for the zone-heavy press scheme head coach Robert Saleh and DC Jeff Ulbrich like to run.
On offense, Douglas made Ohio State’s Garrett Wilson the pick. The 6-0 183-pound wideout excels down the field. He pushes vertically and makes plays when the ball is in the air. Wilson does good work in shallow crosses and off play-action.
He’s slippery with the ball in hand with deceptive speed and home run ability. It doesn’t matter where he lines up — he’ll be plenty effective.
FSU edge rusher Jermaine Johnson tumbled down the draft board, and Joe Douglas made him the biggest steal on Day 1 of the 2022 NFL Draft. Johnson has elite edge rush potential with a solid floor thanks to his ability to beat tackles with great hand techniques and counters.
He closes in a hurry and swallows ball carriers Don’t be surprised if Johnson gets double-digit sacks as a rookie as he chased the Defensive Rookie of the Year award.
Douglas added yet another weapon for Wilson by trading up for Iowa State running back Breece Hall. After a productive junior season and a 4.3 40-yard dash.
In fact, Douglas thought so highly of him he traded up. Hall has the potential to be an every-down back who should see plenty of touches as a rookie. Expect Hall to come close, if not eclipse 1,500-yards from scrimmage.
Douglas turned his attention to Garrett Wilson’s college teammate, Jeremy Ruckert. Ruckert is a blocking tight end with reliable hands and a long frame. He’ll compete for a spot and help in the run game.
He completed his draft by adding players to the trenches with offensive tackle Max Mitchell and edge rusher Micheal Clemons.