We’ve only seen the class of 2022 draftees for one season, but some clearly stood above others during the season and their value was seen, at least somewhat, in a recent redraft of the 2022 draft done by ESPN. (Note: ESPN+ article)
In their two-round re-do, the Jets don’t even get a chance at selecting cornerback Sauce Gardner this time at No. 4. He wound up as the No. 1 overall pick in the redraft by the Jacksonville Jaguars instead of Georgia edge Travon Walker. Not surprising at all. Gardner was the best rookie this season, being named First-Team All-Pro and the Jaguars didn’t need to take a quarterback.
Following the Gardner pick, the Lions stick with edge Aidan Hutchinson and the Texans still go cornerback, but instead take Tariq Woolen over Derek Stingley.
That puts the Jets on the clock. There is still a ton of talent on the board — Kayton Thibodeaux, Ikem Ekwonu, for example — but the Jets decide to take the first quarterback off the board here at No. 4. No, not Kenny Pickett or Desmond Ridder or Malik Willis. They take the man that helped the 49ers reach the NFC Championship Game, Mr. Irrevelent himself, Brock Purdy.
Yes, Purdy will be on the shelf for at least six months with a UCL tear to this throwing elbow, but we’re thinking long term not short term. It hasn’t worked out with Zach Wilson — the No. 2 overall pick in 2021 — so it’s time to change direction at quarterback. Purdy was Mr. Irrelevant in the real draft, but he’d be very relevant to the Jets. He’d look good in Gotham, especially if they fail to land veterans Aaron Rodgers or Derek Carr this offseason. In eight starts and four relief appearances — three starts in the playoffs — Purdy completed 66.5% of his passes, throwing for 1,943 yards with 16 touchdowns and four interceptions. — Rich Cimini
Hindsight is certainly 20/20 here and we have no idea if Purdy will even remain the starter for the 49ers with Trey Lance still in the mix. Would Purdy have the same success under the Jets’ coaching staff that he did under the 49ers’ staff? Who knows? It goes without saying that Purdy made the biggest jump in the redraft, going from pick No. 262 to No. 4.
Also in the top ten, the Jets land a wide receiver, but they take Christian Watson, who had a very good rookie season for the Packers. Garrett Wilson was taken by the Giants at No. 7 and Drake London was again selected by the Falcons at No. 8.
The preferred choice is Wilson, who had a terrific rookie year for the Jets, but it’s an easy pivot to Watson. He got off to a slow start in Green Bay, but he became Aaron Rodgers‘ go-to receiver over the second half of the season. He tied for first among rookies in receiving touchdowns (seven) and finished third in yards after catch (263). Chris Olave would’ve been a fine choice, too, but Watson has a higher ceiling because of his size, speed and vertical ability. — Rich Cimini
In this redraft, the Jets do not trade back into the first round, staying at No. 35 and staying with Breece Hall.
The Jets would take Hall again, even though he finished the season on injured reserve (ACL surgery). Before the injury, he was their best player on offense, averaging 5.8 yards per carry. Hall, who said he’s ahead of schedule in his rehab, should be ready for the 2023 opener. It might take him some time before he’s back to his old form, but it will be worth the wait. — Rich Cimini
Finally, at No. 38 — the pick acquired for Sam Darnold — the Jets take Boye Mafe after Jermaine Johnson was taken one pick before at No. 37 by the Texans.
After three picks on offense, the Jets have to go defense. Their original pick, Jermaine Johnson, just went off the board, so let’s pivot to Mafe. He didn’t have much production (three sacks) in 17 games for the Seahawks, but this is a bet on his upside. He has the right size (6-foot-4, 261 pounds), speed and edge-rushing traits to be a 4-3 end in the Jets’ scheme. — Rich Cimini
