Analysts Praise Jets as 'Biggest Winners' of Round One; Ahmad Gardner Pick Beloved

Gardner is now the highest-drafted Bearcat in program history.

Author:
Russ Heltman
Apr 29, 2022 8:09 AM EDT

CINCINNATI — The New York Jets started their busy draft night by selecting Ahmad Gardner, and their three total picks in Round One are earning a ton of praise.

ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. labeled the Jets as the top winner of the draft after selecting Gardner, Ohio State wide receiver Garrett Wilson, and trading back into the first round for Florida State edge rusher Jermaine Johnson on Thursday.

"I'm a big fan of these three picks," Kiper wrote. "The Jets got my top-ranked corner and top-ranked wide receiver in the top 10, and then they got a potential steal late in the night in Johnson. Gardner is going to shut down one side of the field. He's long and fast, and he didn't allow a single touchdown as the primary defender in his collegiate career.

"Wilson is only 6-foot, so he's not a huge red-zone target like Drake London, but he plays bigger because of his long arms, leaping ability and excellent body control to come down with acrobatic catches. He's going to help Zach Wilson complete easy passes because of his ability to run after the catch. And by the way, Wilson is the first receiver the Jets have taken in Round 1 since Santana Moss in 2001.

"Johnson slid -- he is my 11th-ranked prospect -- and the Jets pounced, trading pick Nos. 35, 69 and 163 for Nos. 26 and 101. I thought it was possible they could have taken him at No. 10 if the board fell differently, so this is a home-run class so far for general manager Joe Douglas. And he still gets an early pick on Day 2 (No. 38) to get another starter."

His colleague—Todd McShay—agreed with the take and loved New York's first round above all others.

"New York Jets. I touched on it earlier, but man, the Jets did well on Thursday," McShay wrote. "Three high-level starters in cornerback Ahmad Gardner, receiver Garrett Wilson and, as mentioned, Johnson. And the Jets pick again at No. 38! New York played the board really well and can walk away confident it improved the roster in more than one way."

ESPN's Jordan Reid also praised how well the Jets addressed various needs, including the cornerback spot with Gardner.

"New York Jets," Reid said about the team that addressed the most needs. "They arguably had the best night of any team across the board. Adding three first-round picks in Gardner, Wilson and Johnson was an unforeseeable outcome entering Thursday. All three positions needed a boost, and each prospect was seen as a potential top-10 selection. But Johnson somehow tumbled all the way to the 26th overall selection and right into the lap of the Jets."

Gardner was the lone Bearcat selected on Thursday night but five or more Bearcats could come off the board in Rounds 2-3 on Friday.

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