The Jets have been linked to many of the same top prospects in the 2022 NFL draft. The likes of Oregon’s Kayvon Thibodeaux and Cincinnati’s Ahmad Gardner have been projected to land in New York in a large chunk of mock drafts, leaving other prospects to fall by the wayside.
Joe Douglas’ plans for the first round aren’t limited to just a few elite talents. Gardner and Thibodeaux are two of the best players in this year’s draft, but Gang Green’s draft board goes beyond them and the others who have been projected to the Jets early and often.
There is a good chance that Douglas surprises pundits when New York picks at No. 4 and No. 10. This year’s draft class is deep and his evaluations might lead the Jets to pick a top-end prospect who hasn’t necessarily been linked to the organization as much as others.
With that being said, here are eight dark horse candidates for New York’s first-round picks — whether Douglas decides to stay put or trade back.
