The 2022 NFL Draft started off on Thursday, April 28th with the Jacksonville Jaguars once again being the first overall pick team. It was not long until a New York team went on the clock as the fourth overall pick was for the New York Jets as they drafted CB, Sauce Gardner who came as a surprise pick for the team. Right behind the Jets was fellow MetLife Stadium team, the New York Giants who selected Kayvon Thibodeaux (EDGE) as the projected first overall pick fell down to the five slot. Giants came back at the No.7 pick getting Offensive Tackle Evan Neal who came into the draft ranked the best in his class. With the first pick for double digits the Jets were back on the clock with the 10th overall pick, they would get freaky fast Wide Receiver Garrett Wilson. The Buffalo Bills would get their first slot with the 23rd overall pick after trading up in the order. The only actual New York based NFL team nabbed CB Kaiir Elam who is a true play maker and can switch up the game. For the third time in the first round the New York Jets were put back on the clock with a true steal as they drafted Jermaine Johnson (EDGE) with the 26th overall pick. Johnson was projected to go inside the top five, but fell down outside the top 20, the Jets saw the opportunity and they took it.
After the Jets 26th overall pick that’s all she wrote for the first round with the New York NFL teams, a total of 6 picks between the three.
The New York Jets got their future CB1 with Sauce Gardner who is a true shutdown player along with the top rated Wide Receiver of Garrett Wilson who will provide great coverage in the WR slot along with the likes of Elijah Moore and Corey Davis, capping off at p26 with Jermaine Johnson gave the Jets the best draft that they have had in decades. OVR DRAFT GRADE - A+
The New York Giants were in need of an EDGE and that’s just what they got. The addition of Kayvon Thibodeaux is unreal when it comes to the momentum shift, the Giants immediately became a better team with that addition. Then the Giants came back just a few minutes later to pick up Evan Neal just added to the hype going into the season. The Giants got the best ranked pass-rusher along with the best offensive tackle in the class. This gives new GM Joe Schoen a great start to the season. OVR DRAFT GRADE - B+
The Buffalo Bills had little action with just one pick, getting Cornerback Kaiir Elam with pick 23. Elam will be a good addition to the team, but frankly is not needed as the Bills have one of the best offenses and defenses in the league. Most likely Elam will be a second stringer, but could very well start several games this season. OVR DRAFT GRADE - C-