2022 NFL Mock Draft: Giants, Jets get serious upgrades early

Picks No. 4 through 6

Incredibly, if the season ended tomorrow, both the New York Jets and the New York Giants would have back-to-back picks in the top-10 of the 2022 NFL Draft.  When it comes to both those franchises, they can use all the help they can get, and with pick No. 4 overall, the Jets kick off four straight picks by teams that make their home inside MetLife Stadium.

The first of two picks in a row for the Jets is LSU cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., who is one of the better cornerback prospects I have seen in quite some time. He had looked like a first-round talent since his freshman season, and he fills an immediate need in this Jets secondary on Day 1.

The New York Jets hold the No. 5 overall pick thanks to the trade they made with the Seattle Seahawks for Jamal Adams, which looks like an absolute steal now. While Adams and the Seahawks are terrible, the Jets have two shots in the top-5 to change the fortunes of their franchise, and hopefully, Joe Douglas and company do not mess it up.

With this pick, they continue to stack talent along the offensive line, hopefully leading to move development from Zach Wilson. With Evan Neal, they will have a tremendous young trio in him, Alijah Vera-Tucker, and Mekhi Becton, giving New York one of the best young trios in the league.

With pick No. 6, the New York Giants will try to do something to bolster their pass rush, which has been a sour spot for this team this season. Last weekend, they were able to play great defense against the Philadelphia Eagles, and while that likely is not to continue, they can upgrade in a big way here in the first round.

Aidan Hutchinson looked like a man playing against boys in Michigan’s victory over No. 2 Ohio State, increasing his draft status, and looking like the best player in the country. Some are even calling for him to be in the Heisman race, and while that is not likely, him going in the top-10 picks is an easy bet.