Jets' First-Round Picks Each Had Shining Moment in Season-Opening Loss
When the Jets picked twice within the first 10 selections of the 2022 NFL Draft a few months ago, trading up to grab another first-rounder, it was difficult to quantify the excitement surrounding the organization.
In a matter of a few hours, the Jets had added three impactful players at three incredibly important positions, injecting a trio of top-ranked prospects to their rebuilding roster.
Cornerback Sauce Gardner (No. 4 overall, Cincinnati), wide receiver Garrett Wilson (No. 10 overall, Ohio State) and defensive end Jermaine Johnson (No. 26, Florida State) each profiled as key pieces in what the Jets are building in Florham Park.
When the regular season began on Sunday, those three youngsters officially made their professional debuts, going to battle between the lines in an NFL game for the first time.
It didn't take long for each of those first-round picks to show just how talented they are, making a key play at their respective positions.
It didn't translate to a victory on Sunday—in what turned out to be a 24-9 loss against the Ravens—but it's a promising sign for a franchise that's desperately trying to return to contention.
New York Jets Rookie First-Round Picks Check Off Firsts in Week 1
Sauce Gardner
Garrett Wilson
Jermaine Johnson
Those weren't the only members of the Jets' 2022 NFL Draft class that checked off some firsts on Sunday. Second-round pick Breece Hall ran for 23 yards on six carries in his first NFL game, fourth-rounder Micheal Clemons registered his first career tackle and fourth-round pick Max Mitchell made his first career start (at right tackle).
MORE:
- Robert Saleh Critical of Jets' Mistakes After Ugly Loss in Opener
- Jets Get Crushed as Ravens Cruise to Week 1 Rout
- Jets' Duane Brown Out For Much More Than Just Week 1
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