The 2023 NFL Draft is only a couple of months away, and with the 2022 season in the rearview mirror, folks across the media have been looking back at the season, including NFL.com, which recently ranked the rookie classes for each team from this past season. The Jets did a pretty good job in last year’s draft, to say the least.
The Jets were ranked No. 1 among all the rookie draft classes for the 2022 season and were the only team to receive an “A” grade. The Lions and Seahawks each received an “A-“. Not bad for having no picks in the second half of the draft — all seven picks came within the first 117 selections plus undrafted free agent Zonovan Knight.
NFL.com draft analyst Eric Edholm mentioned that the Jets’ picks look “extremely promising after one year.” It certainly helps that the Jets boast the Offensive and Defensive Rookies of the Year in Garrett Wilson and Sauce Gardner.
The Jets were armed with draft-pick munitions, making seven picks in the first 117 selections, including four in the first 36 picks, and called it a draft. The good news is that most of their early decisions look extremely promising after one year.
Top-10 picks Sauce Gardner and Garrett Wilson were two of the best rookies at their respective positions, with each taking home a Rookie of the Year honor, and it didn’t hurt that they pushed each other in some strong training camp battles. Gardner looks like a star and a rare shutdown corner. Wilson could be the Jets’ WR1 for years to come, proving to be excellent despite subpar QB play after the Jets struck out on trading for Tyreek Hill.
Breece Hall was on a path toward being an Offensive Rookie of the Year favorite prior to his ACL injury. Assuming he returns to full health, the state of the Jets’ running game appears strong. The nice addition of undrafted rookie Zonovan Knight only bolsters the position further.
Jermaine Johnson II and Michael Clemons had steady reserve roles as rookies on a deep Jets D-line, but each flashed on defense and blocked a punt that resulted in a score. Their arrows are up. Max Mitchell struggled in his early snaps before blood clots ended his season. Jeremy Ruckert figures to get more chances eventually with his athletic profile but showed little in Year 1.
These were the grades for each team in the AFC East:
No. 1 New York Jets – A
No. 15 Buffalo Bills – C+
No. 24 New England Patriots – C
No. 28 Miami Dolphins – C-