While it is still very early in the NFL offseason, before the combine and pro days, it is never too early to start looking at what the Jets will look like in 2022. The only locks you can pencil into the lineup for the Jets for the upcoming season are Zach Wilson, Michael Carter, the wide receiver duo of Corey Davis & Elijah Moore, Alijah Vera-Tucker, Carl Lawson (if healthy), Quinnen Williams, and CJ Mosley. With that being said, here is my way too early prediction for the Jets starting lineup come week 1:
QB- Zach Wilson
RB- Michael Carter
WR- Elijah Moore
WR- Corey Davis
WR- Calvin Ridley
TE- Jeremy Ruckert
LT- Mekhi Becton
LG- Alijah Vera-Tucker
C- Connor McGovern
RG- Ikem Ekwonu
RT- George Fant
Edge- Carl Lawson
IDL- Quinnen Williams
IDL- John Franklin-Myers
Edge- Kingsley Enagbare
LB- CJ Mosley
LB- Devin Lloyd
CB- Bryce Hall
CB- Brandin Echols
SCB- Michael Carter II
S- Marcus Williams
S- Lamarcus Joyner
K- Eddy Piniero
P- Braden Mann
Returner- Braxton Berrios
In this prediction, I am expecting Joe Douglas to target the trenches early in the draft. The number four pick will be used on Ekonwu to fortify the offensive line. The big move I am predicting from the Jets this off-season is acquiring Calvin Ridley via trade, most likely sending a second round pick (and a late rounder) to get Zach Wilson a star wide receiver. After using that draft capital for a trade, Douglas will trade down from the number 10 pick to recoup an additional second rounder. Those two picks will be used to bolster a struggling defensive unit from last season, and add talented edge and linebacker prospects, Kingsley Enagbare out of South Carolina and Devin Lloyd from Utah. While the Jets could look to add a cornerback, I believe they were impressed enough with how their young group played last season that upgrades around the rest of the defense will be enough to supplement them. The biggest free agent addition of 2022 will be safety Marcus Williams from the New Orleans Saints. While Douglas has shown a hesitancy to spend big, especially on non-premium positions, I think he knows that they need to add a certified stud to what was one of the worst units in the NFL last season. Their last day 2 pick, a third rounder, will be used on Jeremey Ruckert out of Ohio State. After the Jets will struggle to add a premium tight end via free agency and settle for a stop gap, they will add the Long Island native in hopes he can step into a big role right away to help Zach Wilson take the next step in year 2.
These are just my thoughts; let me know how you all think this Jets off-season will pan out in the comment section.
