Wilson to Wilson, Some Sauce & JJ

Jets improve both sides of the ball in the top 10.

☀️Good Morning,

You’re going to have to forgive me if some of this makes absolutely no sense, after setting an alarm for 12:30 am and then writing this around 3 am, my head is a little scrambled. Good luck to those lucky people who have meetings with me today!

The first round of the 2022 NFL Draft is in the books, and we’re going to touch on what happened last night and what’s possibly going to happen tonight.

👍 Summary

The Jets walked out of the draft with three top 10 players on my big board and 3 of the Jets’ top 8 players on their big board (according to Joe Douglas after the draft), how can you not be happy with that. The Jets now have their best cornerback duo since Revis and Cromartie with Reed and Sauce, and they added a pass rusher opposite Carl Lawson and a star wide receiver for Zach Wilson.

Jets get some Sauce 🍅

The Jets got a major upgrade in their secondary with Sauce Gardner being the 4th overall selection. It does show that the Jets must not have a ton of confidence in Bryce Hall, but the addition of Sauce gives the Jets an outstanding 1/2 punch with D.J. Reed.

Gardner has put together one of the most impressive resumes of any college cornerback in recent memory. Over three years with the Bearcats he didn’t allow a single touchdown into his coverage and only allowed 41.1% completion too. He’s long and he’s rangy and he has outstanding fluidity for a man his size.

Over three years he’s allowed a total of 539 yards and just 241 yards after the catch. He allowed no more than 13 yards to any one receiver in 2021, and that includes facing off against the likes of Alabama’s Jameson Williams. That is absolutely elite. He allowed 0 receptions on 12 targets of 15+ yards and he committed just one coverage penalty.

Gardner has 115 coverage snaps in the red zone, he’s allowed 1 catch while forcing 6 incompletions. There are 100 stats to show how good Sauce is and you’re going to hear every single one over the next week.

Here is the NFL profile piece on Sauce and with a comparison of Richard Sherman, the Jets will be hoping they have their Revis.

Long, lean and linear, Gardner's physical and football growth are on full display when comparing his 2019 tape to 2021. He's highly competitive with a confidence level that will be labeled as cocky by some evaluators. "Sauce" uses length and hand activity to impose his will on the release and stall the route on the tarmac. Staying connected to the route is a priority, which leads to grabbing when he feels it slipping away but that can be corrected by improving his footwork and trusting his technique. His movements lack fluidity, but he's urgent and aggravating in man-to-man, which could become a deterrent for NFL quarterbacks scanning to his side of the field if he can avoid a big spike in penalties as he adjusts to NFL officiating. Gardner has the traits and demeanor to become a highly effective CB1 within his first couple of seasons.

Sauce was talking post-draft about how it feels to be a Jet.

On getting the call from the Jets

‘I’m so blessed and so happy to be in the position I’m in. Getting that phone call, seeing the New York Jets pop up, that feeling just made my heart drop’

On if he knew the Jets were interested:

‘I knew they were interested and I knew that was the place I wanted to be’

On playing for coach Saleh:

‘He’s not far from where I’m from..We clicked instantly, he’s a very competitive coach and he’s my type of coach that I want to be around’

On who he models his game on:

‘I like Jalen Ramsey, so I model my game after him in some ways’

On what the Jets can expect to get from him:

‘Expect me to be someone who can come in and impact the community in a great way, great teammates, hard-working, and do whatever it takes so we can win’

Some people questioned the fit because of the style of play that Robert Saleh plays, but when asked if he’d be shifting this, Saleh simply replied that Sauce was a “great zone corner” who can do it all, the Jets did play man last year so I don’t see there being able issue here.

We’ll get into Sauce a lot more next week, but off the bat, I like the pick. I personally would have gone with KT as I see EDGE as a bigger need and he was my #1 player in the draft, but I love Sauce as a player.

Jets Add Garrett Wilson at #10

I absolutely love this selection considering he is my #1 ranked Wide Receiver.

He’s got a great release and quickness off the line, he has that YAC ability, that versatility to line up everywhere, and he can go up and high point the football.

Wilson certainly went out on a high at Ohio State, over his final 3 games with the Buckeyes he made 27 catches for 371 yards and 6 touchdowns…in 3 games, yes just 3 games.

70 receptions for 1,058 yards and 12 touchdowns last year, with 417 yards after the catch and 61.5% on contested catches. Everyone talks about Drake London being the best contested catcher, but his rate was only slightly better than Wilson at 65.4%.

In terms of how he lines up, over the course of his career he’s spent 27.3% of his time in the slot and 72.7% out wide so I do think we’ll see him all around the formation. I could see him getting some time on Jet Sweeps and some Deebo-inspired backfield touches.

Ball security is an underrated value in a wide receiver and Wilson has never coughed up the football over 149 touches at Ohio State, when you use guys on Jet Sweeps and Bubble Screens, that’s a key aspect that a lot of people don’t talk about.

Wilson’s NFL profile reveals the kind of talent we’re getting in New York

“Wilson's game is lacking in polish, but some scouts believe his play strength and run-after-catch ability make him a more valuable draft commodity than Ohio State teammate Chris Olave. He's a linear, inside/outside receiver with trouble eluding press cleanly and is very inefficient with routes over the first two levels. His long speed is good, but the acceleration burst is what makes him such an effective separator in space. He might not be smooth getting there, but he has eye-popping ball skills when it's time to go make a play. Wilson needs to work on his ability to consistently uncover on all three levels, but he has the traits to become a very good WR2 if he tightens up areas of concern.”

Sure sounds like a Mike LaFleur player to me, and partnered with Elijah Moore the Jets now have two receivers who can do a little bit of everything.

On how it sounds to be a Jet:

‘I mean it sounds so awesome, sounds surreal, I still can’t believe it but I’m so blessed and really excited to get to New York’

On playing with Zach Wilson:

‘I’m really excited so, Wilson to Wilson doesn’t sound too bad’

On what Jets fans can expect:

‘I’m going to come in there and put my best foot forward, make plays when my number is called, the one thing the Jets fans will know is that I play with a lot of passion and I pride myself on that’

On if he knew he’d be a Jet:

‘I didn’t know, it’s such a crazy process. You see people like Lamar Jackson at pick #32, so I didn’t want to have any expectations, I just came in just knowing it’s such a good situation either way’

On Sauce Gardner:

‘I got to spend a lot of time with him this week, we were talking in the hallway, we can’t wait to get to work, iron sharpens iron and we’re going to coming at each other competing and off the field becoming great friends…I got to spend some time with him this week and he’s a great person, can’t wait to play with Sauce’

A key for the 2022 offseason was to help Zach Wilson as much as possible and the Jets have done just that. After adding Uzomah, Conklin, and Tomlinson in free agency, Joe Douglas has given Wilson another weapon. If Zach doesn’t succeed in New York, it won’t be for a lack of support, that’s for sure.

Jets Trade Back-Up For Jermaine Johnson

I had a feeling that the Jets weren’t done and that proved to be the case as they traded up with the Titans:

Field Yates @FieldYates

The Titans trade: Pick 26, 101 The Jets trade: Pick 35, 69, 163

Jermaine Johnson was one of my favorite prospects in the entire draft. He’s long, he’s physical, he’s great against the run and he has the production to match anybody in the draft.

Over the course of the 2021 season, he racked up 70 tackles, 17.5 tackles for a loss, and 11.5 sacks. He may only have one year of production but it’s one hell of a year. He had 46 total pressures and a missed tackle percentage of 8.6% which is an elite number for a defensive end, that’s right around the 8.3% of Aidan Hutchinson who was considered one of the best tackling defensive ends in college football.

We knew the Jets loved Jermaine Johnson and I spoke to Johnson after he made the visit to the Jets and there was certainly a comfort there from both sides, I don’t think the Jets expected him to fall this far and the compensation to move up is absolutely fine. You have to give credit to Joe Douglas for being aggressive and going up to get his guy.

In the run-up to the draft we said that taking Johnson at #10 would be a good move for the Jets, getting him at #26 is absolutely ideal. Make no mistake about it, this draft class could be franchise-altering.

Jermaine Johnson and Carl Lawson rushing the passer outside with Quinnen Williams inside is an exciting proposition for the Jets. If they can keep that defensive line healthy it has the potential to be one of the best defensive lines in football.

He has some power, he has some speed, he has a rip move that is the best in class and he also has a spin move that he can go to if he wants to mix it up. There were some advanced stats that questioned his ability to get to the QB and win, but sometimes you have to trust the tape.

On joining the Jets defensive line:

"It's a pretty loaded room and I'm excited to be a part of that group."

On coming to New York:

"I knew that I was going to be where I was supposed to be, and sure enough, I'm with the Jets. I'm where I'm supposed to be."

When Robert Saleh was asked about Jermaine Johnson after the first round he said that “He is the most pro ready of all the pass rushers this year” - I couldn’t agree with that more.

Most of yesterday’s news revolves around takes that got disproved through the draft, so instead of that we’re going to run down the draft picks with a small reaction to each.

#1 - Jacksonville Jaguars select Travon Walker, Edge, Georgia

My 5th ranked edge in the draft, Walker has more upside than anyone but has a very low floor. It’s a huge risk for the Jags, but they’re picking him for hips upside. He’s already great against the run, he just needs to improve his pass rush production. You don’t go #1 overall just because you’re good against the run.

#2 Detroit Lions select Aidan Hutchinson, Edge, Michigan

The hometown man, and #2 EDGE on my draft board. I don’t think he’s as polished as some would have you believe, but this makes sense on every single level.

#3 Houston Texans select Derek Stingly Jr, CB, LSU

A little bit of a surprise considering Stingley hasn’t done a great deal since 2019. He flashed all-pro potential though, another big risk but his ceiling is the best player in the draft.

#4 New York Jets select Sauce Garnder, CB, Cincinnati

My #1 corner on the board and one of my favorite prospects in the whole process. In the AFC and how loaded it is, you need a lockdown corner. That’s a great pick by Joe.

#5 New York Giants select Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon

My #1 ranked player in the entire draft, Kayvon has that elite explosion and while he doesn’t have the variety of pass-rush moves, he has the highest ceiling of anyone. He could be a 10+ sack player for the next decade.

#6 Caroline Panthers select Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC State

Ekwonu is a violent and athletic run-blocker who will open up some lanes for CMC. He still needs significant development to improve his pass sets but he has the hands of a heavyweight.

#7 New York Giants select Evan Neal, OT, Alabama

Neal is an outstanding talent and he made a huge leap in terms of his pass protection in 2021. Evan will likely play RT for the Giants and he has the athleticism to excel in both facets of the game.

#8 Atlanta Falcons select Drake London, WR, USC

Drake London is the best contested-catch guy in the draft, he has a basketball history and that shows with his catch radius. He’s physical, and a great addition to Pitts in Atlanta.

#9 Seattle Seahawks select Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State

My #1 offensive tackle in the draft and the most pro-ready pass protector. I like this pick more than I like the Giants’ pick of Neal. Cross could be the best player from this draft.

#10 New York Jets select Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State

My #1 ranked wide receiver lands in New York and he’s the perfect scheme fit. He has that YAC ability and his quickness off the line will gain instant separation.

#11 New Orleans Saints select Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State

The best route-runner in the entire draft and my #2 ranked wide receiver. I love the pairing of Olave with Michael Thomas, if Thomas can stay healthy.

#12 Detroit Lions select Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama

Moving up 20 slots to select a wide receiver is a pretty brave move by the Lions. The WR run is officially on and Williams is the most explosive guy in the draft.

#13 Philadelphia Eagles select Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia

The big man goes to the Eagles and that’s an outstanding scheme fit. You can move Davis around the formation but he’ll do his best work as a NT.

#14 Baltimore Ravens select Kyle Hamilton, FS, Notre Dame

Was considered the #1 prospect for a long time, Hamilton can be lined up all over the field and he has the strength of a linebacker and the speed of a safety.

#15 Houston Texans select Kenyon Green, OG, Texas A&M

Power and positional flexibility is the name of the game for Green. He’s got good hands and he’s as powerful as they come.

#16 Washington Commanders select Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State

Dotson has great hands, good body control and so much agility. He has all the potential in the world, a great partner for McLaurin.

#17 Las Angeles Chargers select Zion Johnson, OG, Boston College

I love this pick, he started at tackle, played some guard, and then showed he could play center at the Senior Bowl. Get more protection for Herbert.

#18 Tennessee Titans (Traded A.J Brown) select Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas

Titans replace A.J Brown with Treylon Burks who was the hot name before a bit of a disastrous pre-draft process. It’s basically a like-for-like replacement in playstyle too.

#19 New Orleans Saints select Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa

If you’ve followed me on Twitter or read TJW this off-season you’ll know I don’t consider Trevor Penning to be a first-rounder.

#20 Pittsburgh Steelers select Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh

It’s not often you have to wait until the 20th pick in the draft to get the first QB off the board. Pittsburgh gets the local man and got to be honest, I kind of love it.

#21 Kansas City Chiefs select Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington

McDuffie is one of my favorite prospects, he can play inside and outside and he’s extremely fluid. Not got the ideal size but his football instincts are unmatched.

#22 Green Bay Packers select Quay Walker, LB, Georgia

Huge surprise here is Walker and not Dean or Lloyd is the first LB off the board, but Walker has the size and speed to make him a high ceiling player.

#23 Buffalo Bills select Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida

This was always going to be a corner and Elam is a great press-man corner. He’s physical and fast and plays the ball well in the air.

#24 Dallas Cowboys select Tyler Smith, OT, Tulsa

The Cowboys do love taking an offensive lineman in the first round and they have a good one in Smith, ultra-aggressive and physical.

#25 Baltimore Ravens select Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa

Linderbaum is one of the best if not the best center I’ve seen since Nick Mangold. This is an outstanding pick for Baltimore.

#26 New York Jets select Jermaine Johnson, Edge, Florida State

I mean this is the steal of the draft so far if you ask me, I had him as a top 5 prospect, so to get him at #26 is ideal. Props to JD for moving up to get him.

#27 Jacksonville Jaguars select Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah

Many had Lloyd as the #1 LB and he can do a little bit of everything, blitz, cover, and play the run. This is a good pick for the Jaguars.

#28 Green Bay Packers select Devonte Wyatt, DT, Georgia

Packers continue to add to their defensive front and they have an outstanding prospect here. Many expected a WR, but the value was not there.

#29 New England Patriots select Cole Strange, OG/C, Chattanooga

This one hurts, I’m not going to lie. But having spoken to Cole through this draft process he’s a great guy, I’m pumped for him to be a first-rounder, it was deserved.

#30 Kansas City Chiefs select George Karlaftis, Edge, Purdue

This is great value, many saw Karlaftis as a top 15 player. He has that power and motor that will get fans on-side straight away.

#31 Cincinnati Bengals select Daxton Hill, Safety, Michigan

After tagging Jessie Bates the Bengals continue to improve their secondary. Hill can play as a slot corner or as a safety so there is positional versatility there.

#32 Minnesota Vikings select Lewis Cine, Safety, Georgia

Was fully expecting Lewis Cine to be taken in the first round and he’ll fit in perfectly in Minnesota. Hard-hitting safety who’s probably better as a single high safety.

Remaining Options

That’s the first round done and dusted, but there are plenty of options for the Jets as they head into the 2nd round. They traded their 35th overall pick, but they still have the 38th pick in the draft.

Here are a few names that I like for the Jets at that #38

Nakobe Dean - Georgia - Linebacker
Jaquan Brisker - Penn State - Safety
Travis Jones - Uconn - Defensive Tackle
Nick Cross - Maryland - Safety
Phidarian Mathis - Alabama - Defensive Tackle
Jalen Pitre - Baylor - Safety
Chad Muma - Wyoming - Linebacker
Dylan Parham - Memphis - Guard
Zach Tom - Wake Forrest - Tackle