Projecting every 2022 draft pick before Carolina Panthers are on the clock

Kyle Hamilton – S (Notre Dame)

The New York Jets might be losing Marcus Maye in free agency. Thankfully for them, a ready-made replacement could be sitting at No. 4 overall if the draft plays out in this fashion.

There are plenty of needs that need filling on the Jets. But they have multiple first-rounders this year and taking Kyle Hamilton first guarantees them a difference-maker on the backend that could end up being a generational talent if the Notre Dame product reaches his ceiling.

Finding another quality offensive lineman or a strong weapon for quarterback Zach Wilson is the smart way to go. But it’s also worth remembering that the Jets also have a high-end second-rounder from the Carolina Panthers as part of the Sam Darnold trade – so the options are endless.

That gives them the luxury of taking Hamilton despite safety not being usually considered as a position to prioritize early in the draft. And he would become an instant fan favorite thanks to an exciting style of play coupled with exceptional instincts to make game-changing plays all over the field.

This is an important upcoming draft for the Jets. Things did not go according to plan during the first year of Robert Saleh’s tenure, but this was never going to be a quick fix and if they can nail their upcoming selections, then the organization could make some real strides in 2022.