Sep 9, 2023; Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA; Wake Forest Demon Deacons defensive back Malik Mustapha (3) celebrates the win over Vanderbilt Commodores during the second half at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Having already added offensive tackle Olu Fashanu and wide receiver Malachi Corley, the Jets have a chance on day 3 of the draft to add some significant talent at a few key spots. With so many options and the Jets having 5 picks and the possibility of trading down to add more, we went all out here with 25 names to watch.
S Jaden Hicks, Washington State: Even after re-signing Ashtyn Davis and Chuck Clark, the Jets are thin at safety where Hicks is one of the best in this class.
DL Brandon Dorlus, Oregon: Never rule out a defensive lineman when the Jets are on the clock. Dorlus is a versatile defender with a great motor who some believed would be off the board at this point. In fact, he could be gone before the Jets are on the clock with the ninth pick tomorrow.
CB TJ Tampa, Iowa State: The Jets are set at their starting corner spots but their lack of depth and the value of a player like Tampa could push the Jets to make a move for the 6′ 1” long-armed defender.
CB Cam Hart, Notre Dame: Along with Tampa, Hart should be a consideration in this spot if the Jets are looking for depth at corner. Hart has the ability to become an NFL starter.
DT Makhi Wingo, LSU: The Jets would probably like to stop having to sign multiple interior linemen to 1-year deals every off-season and perhaps add a player who can plug in next to Quinnen Williams and grow for a few years. Wingo could be a candidate for that.
CB Kris Abrams-Draine, Missouri: Abrams-Draine is a disruptive defender who tied for fifth in passes defended in 2023 and is a physical presence against the run.
RB Jaylen Wright, Tennessee: Whoever gets Wright is going to be getting one of the biggest steals of the draft. He’s explosive runner who is a threat to take it the distance every time he touches the ball. Joe Douglas has drafted a running back every year since taking over at 1 Jets Drive. Will he do it again?
QB Spencer Rattler: This could be another great value pick for the Jets as Rattler has the tools to be an NFL starter one day. Giving him a year or two to sit behind and learn from Aaron Rodgers would be a fantastic (and overdue) approach.
WR Malik Washington, Virginia: Taking another wide receiver seems unlikely at this point but we couldn’t not mention Washington. Another big play threat that Aaron Rodgers would have a field day with.
C Sedrick Van Pran-Granger, Georgia: A mauler in the trenches out of one of the top programs in the country, Van Pran-Granger plays with a mean streak and was at one point projected to be a top fifty pick. This would be great value on day three.
OT Javon Foster: Foster played left tackle in college but is viewed as a player who has both tackle and guard flexibility.
Edge Brennan Jackson, Washington State: A disruptive edge rusher who appeared to get better every year in college, Jackson is the type of day 3 developmental edge rusher who could become a contributor at some point.
S Dadrion Talor-Demerson, Texas Tech: Demerson plays bigger than his listed 5′ 11” height. Does a nice job of locating the football and getting his hands on it. Also a fundamentally sound tackler.
LB Nathaniel Watson, Mississippi St: The Jets hosted Watson on a 30 visit and could see value in a day 3 ultra productive linebacker.
CB Caelen Carson, Wake Forest: Noting the need for depth at corner, Carson would be a good pick in this spot.
S Kitan Oladapo, Oregon State: A Senior Bowl participant who played for Jets defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich’s squad, Oladapo stood out early on and did appear to get Ulbrich’s attention.
S Malik Mustapha, Wake Forest: A throwback safety who lays out opposing ball carriers but also has the athleticism to play deep safety.
S Beau Brade, Maryland: A play maker who always seems to be around the ball and can line up deep or cover out of the slot.
QB Michael Pratt, Tulane: Pratt lacks elite arm strength but has a good enough arm to be an NFL starter. Throws with great touch and anticipation.
RB Tyrone Tracy, Purdue: A converted wide receiver who runs angry, shows excellent contact balance and hands, Tracy is an underappreciated player in this class.
DT Jaden Crumedy, Mississippi State: A likely late day 3 choice, we loved the way Mississippi state deployed Crumedy, often having him stand up from his DT spot and attack from a variety of angles off the line of scrimmage.
QB Jordan Travis, Florida State: Travis has plenty of arm strength, tons of mobility and a history of winning. Should be a target for a developmental signal caller.
QB Kedon Slovis, BYU: Slovis is a well-traveled signal caller who played for USC, Pitt and BYU. His numbers aren’t eye-popping but his accuracy is far better than his numbers would suggest.
LB Kalen DeLoach, Florida State: Today’s NFL calls for athletic linebackers why can spy on and run with scrambling quarterbacks. DeLoach will offer that for somebody and the Jets should be considering him.
WR/RB Ainias Smith, Texas A&M: A versatile offensive weapon with excellent speed who can line up at receiver or running back, Smith would help offer depth at two spots.