A few of the Jets’ 2020 draft picks could start in 2022, but only one is a lock atop his position’s depth chart.
That would be sixth-round punter Braden Mann. The 24-year-old has been effective enough to keep his job when healthy, but that doesn’t exactly shine a positive light on Joe Douglas’ first draft class with the Jets.
Two members of that nine-man class are already gone: fourth-round QB James Morgan and fourth-round OL Cameron Clark, who recently retired due to risk of paralysis. Second-round WR Denzel Mims, third-round DL Jabari Zuniga and fourth-round RB La’Mical Perine could be the next ones out the door after disappointing starts to their careers.
Aside from Mann, first-round OT Mekhi Becton and fifth-round CB Bryce Hall have the best chance to start. Becton will have to fight George Fant for his old left tackle gig after essentially missing the entire 2021 season with a knee injury, but he has the talent to reclaim the job. Hall, meanwhile, showed a high ceiling while starting all 17 games in 2021, giving him an inside track on an outside corner job should the Jets bring in competition for him and 2021 pick Brandin Echols.
There is also 2020 third-rounder Ashtyn Davis. He has the benefit of playing a position at which the Jets currently have little depth, but they will surely add more talent to that part of the secondary.
Aside from Hall and Becton potentially starting, it’s hard to see the Jets getting much more out of their 2020 class next season. Douglas’ first draft has already earned him plenty of criticism, but his 2021 class looked much better this past season.
With nine more picks coming up in April, Douglas needs to hit on his 2022 draft like he did last year.
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