Although the Jets were reported to have gone through a productive visit with Kayvon Thibodeaux, it is looking like they will not draft the Oregon-developed pass rusher if he is on the board at No. 4. Questions about Thibodeaux’s fit with the rebuilding team’s culture has led most to expect GM Joe Douglas to pass, Brian Costello of the New York Post notes. Thibodeaux may be this draft’s most frequently discussed player, given his talent coupled with the attitude and effort concerns that dinged him during the draft lead-up. The Jets have recently been linked to Florida State edge rusher Jermaine Johnson, a player they are believed to prefer to Thibodeaux despite the latter being graded higher by most experts. Johnson has generated buzz about becoming a top-10 pick, which would put the Jets to a decision at No. 4. The Georgia transfer might not be available when the Jets pick again (assuming they do not trade for a wide receiver) at No. 10.
On draft eve, here is the latest heading into the 2022 event:
- Another player on the top-five radar, Evan Neal is not believed to have been given a clean bill of health by every team. Hip and knee issues have given some teams pause, Albert Breer of SI.com notes. This could see the Alabama product, depending on where teams in the top 10 stand here, fall behind fellow high-end tackle prospects like Ikem Ekwonu and Charles Cross. Neal’s camp has pushed back on this, and Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio adds the top-tier prospect was not asked to return to Indianapolis for the Combine’s medical recheck. Neal did not miss a game last season.
- Jerry Jones said recently he is willing to trade up from No. 24. How far up? The Cowboys might be prepared to part with notable draft capital, with NFL.com’s Jane Slater indicating Cross, Northern Iowa tackle Trevor Penning and USC wide receiver Drake London are names to watch regarding a Dallas move up. Cross and London have been mentioned often as top-10 picks, while Penning has his share of fans as well. Based on the targets listed here, the Cowboys would likely need to make a strong offer. It would be quite costly for the Cowboys to move into or near the top 10, but they have been eyeing O-linemen. Dallas holds one pick in each of the second and third rounds.
- On the subject of moves, which are mentioned often in the days ahead of a draft, teams have contacted the Giants about the No. 7 overall pick, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com tweets. The Seahawks are one of them, having shown interest in moving from 9 to 7. Seattle has often traded down in Round 1 under John Schneider, though the team has not enjoyed top-10 real estate since Schneider and Pete Carroll‘s first draft together (2010). Possessing needs at several spots, the Giants have been connected to using their No. 5 pick and trading down from 7.
- Texans GM Nick Caserio said Wednesday a 99% chance exists his team will stay at No. 3 and make a pick, but the team is more open to a move at 13 — the pick obtained via the Deshaun Watson trade. The second-year GM has spoken with at least six teams about the No. 13 choice, per NFL.com’s Jim Trotter (Twitter link). Many teams view first-round trades as likelier to occur after the top 10, Fowler adds.
If I’m the Jets and he’s available, Ekwonu needs to be the pick. As for the 10th pick, no matter what it’s going to work out for them, whether it’s Deebo, WR, Edge, or S. And with the two picks in the second round, they’re sitting pretty – much can be accomplished if they draft right.
I disagree with going o-line again with a top pick. They just signed Laken Tomlinson to a sizable contract to play right guard. AVT’s the left guard. I don’t think you give up on Mount Becton at tackle. Fant earned the other starting tackle position. If you’re looking for the future at center post-Montgomery, Tyler Linderbaum might be the call if he falls to the early second round. I think best player available is often the way to go with these early picks but you don’t ignore need. I think edge, secondary, and WR all come before the o-line in terms of need. Believe it or not, per PFF, the Jets o-line finished with a ranking of either 10th or 11th for the 2021 season.
Seattle could make the trade Jerry. Get another first rnd next year. It is lower than they might want to go but they might need the three picks to move up to get the QB they want.
If the Seahawks actually play Lock at QB this year I don’t think they will need to move up. The #1-#3 position should be a “Lock”.
Lol. Yes!
If the Jets take Johnson with Thibodeaux still on the board, I’m gonna let lose a steady stream of four letter words.
But would it REALLY surprise you if it were to happen? Another addition to the draft lowlight reel!
They sure have made some choices.
I speak for everyone on this site when I say we want video proof of this please.
Seahawks, please don’t trade up! If anything, trade down and get more picks. This is a deep draft.
I hope they get the guy they want. I would rather have one difference maker than three LJ “health scratch” Colliers.
I will put up Texans incompetence against the Jets in the last few years. For JJ Watt, DeAndre Hopkins and JaDaveon Clowney we got, ummm, no, no, it’s too depressing to say.