New York Jets

The New York Jets are betting on Breece Hall to boost their offense next season after selecting the running back with the No. 36 pick in the 2022 NFL draft.  

The 20-year-old becomes the third Iowa State running back to be drafted in the past four years. David Montgomery was a third-round pick by the Chicago Bears in 2019, and Kene Nwangwu was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth round last year. 

After Montgomery was drafted, Hall took over as the Cyclones' starter. He appeared in 36 games over the past three seasons and was named Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year in each of the previous two years. 

Now, he will look to carry that production in college to the NFL. 

Here is what the Jets' depth chart looks like with Hall in the running-back rotation:

RB: Michael Carter, Breece Hall, Tevin Coleman

Hall ranks second in Iowa State history with 3,941 career rushing yards, with 3,044 of them coming since the start of 2020. He was a unanimous All-American in 2020 and a consensus All-American in 2021.

As he enters the NFL, he has been regarded as one of the best players in this year's draft class. 

B/R's NFL scouting department has Hall ranked as the No. 37 player overall and top running back, just ahead of Michigan State's Kenneth Walker Jr. (No. 44 overall). 

In his official scouting report for B/R, Nate Tice cited Le'Veon Bell as as an apt comparison for Hall's skill set:

"Overall, Hall has the size, vision, footwork, and athleticism to be a productive RB in any type of run scheme, both from under center and the shotgun. He already has a lot of miles on his odometer and will need to keep refining his pass protection technique. But his ability to be a steady, productive player who helps out his blockers on every run play and the upside to stay on the field for passing downs should appeal to most NFL teams."

The Wichita, Kansas, native had 82 receptions in three years at Iowa State. He ranked third on the team with 302 receiving yards in 2021. 

As long as Hall can develop as a pass-blocker, he can become a true three-down running back in the NFL. His skill as a runner and receiver could allow him to step in as a starter on day one. 

The New York Jets selected Florida State defensive end Jermaine Johnson II with the No. 26 overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft on Thursday.

While the 2021 season won't be remembered fondly by many fans after Florida State once again missed a bowl game, Johnson enjoyed a standout season. The Georgia transfer was honored as the ACC's Defensive Player of the Year.

Here's how New York's newest addition will likely fit into the front seven:

DE: Carl Lawson, Jacob Martin

DT: Quinnen Williams, Nathan Shepherd

DT: Sheldon Rankins, Jonathan Marshall

DE: Jermaine Johnson II, John Franklin-Myers, Kyle Phillips

OLB: Quincy Williams, Hamsah Nasirildeen

MLB: C.J. Mosley, Del'Shawn Phillips

OLB: Jamien Sherwood

CB: Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner, DJ Reed, Brandin Echols

CB: Bryce Hall, Isaiah Dunn

Slot CB: Michael Carter II, Javelin Guidry

FS: Ashtyn Davis, Jason Pinnock

SS: Jordan Whitehead, Lamarcus Joyner

As a member of the Bulldogs, Johnson tasted plenty of team success as Georgia won a New Year's Six bowl in 2019 and 2020. However, he was getting crowded out in a defense that eventually anchored the program's national championship run.

In two years at UGA, Johnson had 36 total tackles, 6.5 sacks and eight tackles for loss.

By transferring to Florida State, the Minnesota native was able to attain the kind of role that eluded him at his previous stop. He posted 70 tackles, 12 sacks and 18 tackles for loss in 12 games with the Seminoles.

Johnson raised his profile at the Senior Bowl through his performance in the practices surrounding the annual showcase.

Johnson established himself as one of the better edge-rushers in the 2022 draft class. He ranked fifth at the position and 33rd overall on the B/R NFL Scouting Department's big board.

Derrik Klassen drew a parallel to New York Giants linebacker Azeez Ojulari, a second-round pick in 2021 who had eight sacks as a rookie.

Klassen singled out Johnson's work against the run:

"Jermaine Johnson will make a living in the NFL as a run defender. Johnson had snaps with his hand in the dirt at FSU, from 5-tech to a standard defensive end spot, as well as from a stand-up position. No matter the alignment or assignment, Johnson displays great ability to see blocks develop, get low and control offensive linemen with his long arms. His savvy and technique as a run defender is made better by his surprising anchor and balance despite his tall, skinny-looking frame. Johnson even has enough juice to slip through gaps from time to time and get into the backfield."

Johnson's sack totals underscore how he also possesses the skills to pressure the quarterback, though he may not do so at an elite level.

This was a good year to be in need of an edge-rusher, with Oregon's Kayvon Thibodeaux and Michigan's Aidan Hutchinson widely considered to be two of the top talents at any position.

Neither was likely to fall to the middle stage of the first round.

Johnson may not have the ceiling of Thibodeaux or Hutchinson, but he represents a great value pick for the Jets.

New York signed Carl Lawson to a three-year, $45 million contract last offseason, but his torn Achilles tendon raises questions over what he can deliver for the team in 2022 and beyond. Lawson represented a bit of a gamble anyway since he had registered 20 sacks over 51 games through his first four seasons.

Perhaps that signing ultimately works out, and if not, Johnson represents a contingency plan.

The New York Jets have added a weapon on the outside, drafting Ohio State wide receiver Garrett Wilson with the 10th pick in the 2022 NFL draft on Thursday.

New York's receiver depth chart now looks like this:

WR1: Garrett Wilson

WR 2: Corey Davis

WR3: Elijah Moore, Braxton Berrios, Denzel Mims

Wilson was the Buckeyes' second-leading receiver in 2021, recording 70 catches for 1,058 yards and 12 touchdowns. He averaged 15.1 yards per catch and also added a rushing touchdown. He was a part of a strong crop of receivers at Ohio State along with sophomore Jaxon Smith-Njigba and senior Chris Olave, who is still waiting to hear his name called in the draft.

The 21-year-old Wilson is known for his exceptional route running. Despite being undersized at 6'0", 183 pounds, Wilson does a great job of using his quickness and elusiveness to get separation from defensive backs.

Wilson is a fairly sure-handed receiver, registering just five drops last season. He's also a versatile player, as Ohio State used him in a variety of ways, such as end arounds and punt returns.

By drafting Wilson, New York is adding a polished pass-catcher who has the potential to become their No. 1 option in short time. His presence will be a welcome sight for quarterback Zach Wilson as he enters his second season.

The addition of Wilson will also be beneficial to New York's other receivers, who figure to benefit if he draws additional defensive attention.

The New York Jets selected Cincinnati cornerback Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner with the fourth pick in the 2022 NFL draft on Thursday.

Gardner was widely considered one of the best corners in this year's class after finishing 2021 with 40 tackles, five tackles for loss, three interceptions and four pass breakups.

Here is where he fits into his new team's depth chart:

DE: Carl Lawson, Jacob Martin

DT: Quinnen Williams, Nathan Shepherd

DT: Sheldon Rankins, Solomon Thomas, Jonathan Marshall

DE: John Franklin-Myers, Bryce Huff

OLB: Quincy Williams, Jamien Sherwood

MLB: C.J. Mosley, Hamsah Nasirildeen

OLB: Jamien Sherwood

CB: Sauce Gardner, D.J. Reed, Brandin Echols

CB: Bryce Hall, Isaiah Dunn

Slot CB: Michael Carter II, Javelin Guidry

FS: Ashtyn Davis, Elijah Riley

SS: Jordan Whitehead, Lamarcus Joyner

The Bearcats allowed the second-fewest passing yards (169.2 per game) and ranked first in opponent quarterback rating (103.4). Gardner was a big reason for the secondary's dominance, and he figures to make an immediate impact with the Jets.

The 6'3" defensive back was the No. 11 overall player and second-best cornerback behind LSU's Derek Stingley Jr. on the Bleacher Report NFL Scouting Department's big board.

B/R scout Cory Giddings evaluated Gardner and compared him to three-time All-Pro Richard Sherman, who enjoyed a run of four to five years before his 2017 Achilles rupture when he was the NFL's best cornerback.

Giddings wrote Gardner can defend effectively in zone and man coverage and possesses "excellent ball skills":

"Ahmad Gardner is a rare cornerback who possesses excellent length and athleticism. He is able to excel in man coverage, where he plays with good technique to get hands on receivers and the speed to carry them downfield. ...

"Gardner is able to switch things up and play in zone coverages. With his vision and anticipation, he is able to play all threats with the proper leverage."

Because he played in the AAC, the Cincinnati star wasn't regularly tested in the same way Stingley, Washington's Trent McDuffie or Florida's Kaiir Elam were on a weekly basis against Power Five opponents.

Still, the fact that he didn't allow a single touchdown in pass coverage is the kind of stat that almost sounds farcical.

Last November, The Athletic's Justin Williams mockingly wrote how Gardner "just might be the most bored player in college football" because opposing teams were avoiding him so frequently. That's why his individual numbers may not appear too impressive upon first view.

"I just take every play one at a time," Gardner told Williams. "Whenever I get bored and zone out, that’s when the ball will get thrown at me. So I have to stay focused every play."

Gardner isn't afraid to get physical with wide receivers at the line of scrimmage, and he has the frame to match up favorably with most wideouts. In general, he checks all of the boxes teams need to see before they take a cornerback this early.

New York allowed the third-most passing yards (259.4 per game) in 2021, so the secondary was obviously an area for the team to target.

Even though the Jets already signed D.J. Reed and Jordan Whitehead, selecting a cornerback in the first round figured to remain in play for general manager Joe Douglas. Gardner adds to a new-look defense for 2022.

The New York Jets may have interest in trading for Deebo Samuel, but he's reportedly not going anywhere for cheap.

Josina Anderson of CBS Sports reported Wednesday the San Francisco 49ers would want a "king's ransom" to part with their disgruntled wide receiver. 

Samuel told Jeff Darlington of ESPN that he requested a trade Wednesday amid a lack of movement in contract negotiations. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network indicated the trade request came due in part to Samuel's frustration with his role in the 49ers offense. 

Samuel regularly lined up all over the field last season, recording 77 receptions for 1,405 yards along and racking up 59 carries for 365 yards. He also recorded 14 touchdowns, eight of which came on the ground.

The wideout market has seen massive spikes in contracts this offseason, thanks to deals for Davante Adams (five years, $141.3 million) and Tyreek Hill (four years, $120 million). 

Hill and Adams have one thing in common: They were traded before landing megadeals. While Stefon Diggs was able to stick around in Buffalo and get his own massive contract with the Bills, that only came after Adams and Hill forced their way to a new location and had the leverage to demand massive deals.

The 49ers have given no indication they plan on trading Samuel, who is under contract through the 2022 season and could receive the franchise tag next offseason if the impasse remains. 

Both Adams and Hill were traded for multiple high draft picks, and if the 49ers are as steadfast in keeping Samuel as they seem, the price could be even higher. 

A rumor that the New York Jets offered a high draft pick in exchange for Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf was shot down Wednesday.

Howard Eskin of 94WIP in Philadelphia said Tuesday the Jets were prepared to offer the Seahawks the No. 10 overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft for Metcalf, but multiple sources told him the Seahawks have declined any and all offers for Metcalf regardless of the compensation.

Connor Hughes of The Athletic reported Wednesday that multiple sources said there is "no truth" to the rumor that the Jets offered the 10th pick for Metcalf.

Hughes noted that while the Jets want a wide receiver and would have interest in Metcalf, no offer was made since the Seahawks aren't accepting offers on the 24-year-old wideout.

The Jets' interest in a wide receiver is well documented. They were reportedly one of the two teams Tyreek Hill was choosing between before the Kansas City Chiefs traded him to the Miami Dolphins last month.

New York is seemingly making a concerted effort to bring in more offensive weapons to aid in the development of quarterback Zach Wilson, who was the No. 2 overall pick last year.

Free-agent signing Corey Davis was a disappointment last season, and 2020 second-round pick Denzel Mims hasn't lived up to expectations, leaving 2021 second-round pick Elijah Moore and slot receiver Braxton Berrios as Wilson's two most reliable options at wide receiver.

The Jets haven't dipped their toes into the free-agent market for wide receivers. But they are clearly open to a trade, and they have plenty of draft capital to select a rookie wideout.

The Jets own the Nos. 4 and 10 overall picks in the first round of the 2022 draft, as well as the Nos. 35 and 38 picks in the second round.

Ironically, if the Jets were to trade the No. 10 overall pick to Seattle for Metcalf, the Seahawks would be getting their own pick back since they sent it to New York in the trade for safety Jamal Adams.

Metcalf is entering the final year of his rookie contract in 2022, but the Seahawks have given no indication that they intend to trade him.

Teams may feel it is worth inquiring, though, since the decision to trade quarterback Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos could indicate Seattle is in rebuild mode.

Metcalf should be a key part of that rebuild, however. A young, physically dominant receiver who averaged over 1,000 receiving yards and nearly 10 touchdowns per season in his first three NFL campaigns isn't easy to come by.

While Metcalf would be a game-changer for the Jets or any other team that acquires him, the Seahawks have no imminent need to part with him, especially since he can be franchise-tagged for next season if a long-term extension isn't reached.

It's been over a month since Russia invaded Ukraine, and images of the war-torn country continue to surface amid the ongoing crisis.

The New York Jets have joined in on the relief efforts, donating $1 million to help aid the people of Ukraine. According to Dennis Waszak Jr. of the Associated Press, the donation will be split among several organizations with each receiving $100,000 over the next year.

The cause is particularly meaningful to Jets owner Woody Johnson and his wife Suzanne, the latter of whom is of Ukrainian descent.

"My mother passed away 10 years ago and my father two years ago, and he must be turning in his grave right now," Suzanne Johnson told Waszak. "This would've killed him. It's just incredulous, and it's really the only word I can think of for what's happening today."

Johnson has donated to Ukrainian organizations in the past. She said she hopes the contribution helps get a jumpstart on much-needed relief efforts.

"I wanted to do my part in helping and to bring awareness because this is a problem that's not going to go away," she said. "The money, they're going to need for a long time for rebuilding and for the aid. It's going to be there. So I just hope we could start something going. The world has been quite generous, and I just hope it continues to be that way."

In addition to the $1 million donation, the Jets provided an opportunity for staff members to contribute medical supplies, which Plast Scouting USA—the first organization receiving funds from the Jets—would match to help further aid victims and their families.

"These donations will positively impact Ukrainian refugees and their families with essential supplies," Woody Johnson said in a statement. "The need for resources is continuously growing. Our thoughts continue to be with the innocent lives who have been affected and all those who are suffering."

New York Jets general manager Joe Douglas told reporters on Wednesday that the team would exercise the fifth-year option on defensive tackle Quinnen Williams. 

"Look, we're excited to have Quinnen," he said. "This is going to be Year 2 in a defense that we feel really accentuates his strengths, his positives and we're looking forward to him to come back and dominate this offseason and have a great year."

No surprises there. The No. 3 overall pick in the 2019 NFL draft has registered 15.5 sacks, 21 tackles for loss, 32 quarterback hits, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery in 41 games across his first three seasons. 

The 23-year-old has been one of the rare bright spots for the Jets in recent seasons, though he believes he can take his game to another level as he continues to develop.

"I have to take that extra step to become the player I need to be and to become the player I know I can be," Williams told reporters after Week 18. "I feel like I'm on the right direction, but it's time to start taking over games and start being that dominant tackle that I know I can be.  I'm up there probably top-10 with D-tackles in stats but I got higher goals and standards. I need to start being that person to help the defense and help the team win more games by the explosive and electric plays that I know I can make."

Williams will have a base salary of $965,000 in 2022 with a $4.1 million signing bonus before his $10.2 million fifth-year option kicks in for the 2023 season. 

The next question for the Jets, however, will be whether they want to sign him to a long-term extension, one that won't come cheap.

While Williams won't come close to the biggest deal at the position—six years, $135 million for Los Angeles Rams superstar Aaron Donald—he could seek something similar to the four-year, $72 million extension fellow Alabama alum, Jonathan Allen, signed with the Washington Commanders signed last July. 

The Jets may want to see if Williams can take that next step he described, however, before splashing out that type of cash.