For the first time since 2015, the New York Jets have a chance to finish above .500. Not only that, but at 7-6 with four games to go, New York is firmly in the playoff race. Despite season-ending injuries to stars like Breece Hall and Alijah Vera-Tucker and inconsistent quarterback play, numerous players have shined above the rest. That being said, let’s predict which New York Jets will make the 2022 Pro Bowl.
Predicting Which New York Jets Will Make 2022 Pro Bowl
Honorable Mentions
Here are three New York Jets players with a shot at representing the Jets at the 2022 NFL Pro Bowl, but could ultimately be snubbed…
Wide Receiver Garrett Wilson
One of the many rookies that have proven to be budding stars on the New York Jets roster, Garrett Wilson has stolen the show on offense. The tenth overall pick has solidified himself as Gang Green’s wide receiver one, leading the team in receptions, targets, yads, and receiving touchdowns. Additionally, Wilson’s 868 receiving yards rank 16th in the league, while his 63 receptions are tied for 20th.
Nevertheless, as Wilson faded with the underwhelming quarterback play during the month of October, the Ohio State product may need to wait a season until his first Pro Bowl. That is, unless, he dominates during the final four weeks of the season with Zach Wilson back at quarterback. Regardless, Wilson is the wide receiver the Jets have been waiting years for.
Cornerback D.J. Reed
Should D.J. Reed be snubbed of the Pro Bowl, it will be disappointing. The 26-year-old cornerback has been a veteran leader, and been more than just a number two cornerback to Sauce Gardner. The former Kansas State corner has totaled eight pass deflections, 53 tackles, an interception and a forced fumble. Despite being just 5’9″, Reed has helped limit the likes of Stefon Diggs, Justin Jefferson, and many others over the course of the season. Reed came to New York because of familiarity with Head Coach Robert Saleh, who could get the most out of him. As a result, Reed has career-best marks with just 5.3 yards per target, and only letting up 349 yards receiving.
Looking big picture though, there are a lot of big name cornerbacks who could beat Reed out. Aside from the rookie that plays opposite of him, Tariq Woolen, Jaire Alexander, Trevon Diggs, Darius slay, amongst others. Even so, should Reed not make it, he has played like a Pro Bowl corner in 2022.
Special Teams/Cornerback Justin Hardee
Lastly, Justin Hardee deserves his first Pro Bowl nod. Brought in by General Manager Joe Douglas as a special teams tackling ace and locker room leader, Hardee has been one of the best special teams gunners in the league since. Constantly double or even tripled teamed at the line of scrimmage, Hardee has still managed to accumualted 12 tackles and a forced fumble. It is about time Hardee gets the respect he deserves, though, special teams Pro Bowl results are hard to predict.
Predicting the Selections
Here are the three New York Jets players that have the best chances to represent the team in the 2022 NFL Pro Bowl…
3.) Linebacker C.J. Mosley
Everyone knows the story of C.J. Mosley‘s time in New York by now. A massive five-year free agent signing who missed all but three quarters of his first season and sat out the next due to COVID-19. The veteran Mosley returned to the field in 2021, but fell just short of his fifth Pro Bowl appearance of his career. Now 30-years-old, Mosley continues to post some of the best numbers in the league.
In 13 games, all starts, the Alabama product has totaled 125 tackles, six pass deflections, one interception, one sack, and one fumble recovery. As expected, Mosley has been the heart and soul of the Jets defense while playing 99% of defensive snaps and even 71 snaps on special teams. As the leader of one of the best defenses in the league, there is no reason why C.J. Mosley should not earn his fifth Pro Bowl nod in 2022.
2.) Cornerback Sauce Gardner
When the New York Jets selected Cincinnati cornerback Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner fourth overall in the 2022 NFL Draft, they knew he was capable of being a perennial Pro Bowl corner. Fast forward to today, and Gardner may already be one of if not the best cornerback in the game. At 6’3″ and 200-pounds, his athleticism and fluidity at his size is hard to evade, as the likes of Stefon Diggs, Justin Jefferson, Tyreek Hill, and others have had to learn.
A starter in every game this season, Gardner leads the league with 16 pass deflections, has two interceptions to his name, and 54 total tackles. He has only given up a single touchdown as a rookie, and just a 52.2% completion on 67 targets. Gardner has been a revelation for the Jets defense, and is without a doubt their best corner since Darelle Revis.
1.) Defensive Tackle Quinnen Williams
Is Quinnen Williams even much of a surprise here? The third overall pick in 2019, during a contract year, is finally realizing his full potential. The 25-year-old defensive tackle has posted career-highs across the board with 11.0 sacks, 12 tackles for a loss, and 23 quarterback hits while playing just 64% of defensive snaps. Williams as been arguably the best defensive tackle and interior pass disruptor in 2022, also contributing a forced fumble, fumble recovery, three pass deflections.
A rock along the interior in the run game, Quinnen Williams has finally arrived. Truly one of the game’s best defenisve lineman, the Alabama product will make his first Pro Bowl in 2022, and the Jets will need to pay him a hefty contract to keep him in Gotham Green after this season.
Main Photos: Embed from Getty Images
