THE New York Jets The 3-6 start revealed needs in several key areas, from offensive line protection to defensive consistency and reliable playmaking options. Injuries and free agency departures loom on the horizon. To fill the gaps, New York will need a draft class that brings in immediate impact players and depth at all levels, setting the team up for success in 2025 and beyond.

Deone Walker: IDL, Kentucky Wildcats

With the potential departures of defensive linemen like Leki Fotu, Solomon Thomas and Javon Kinlaw, the Jets will likely prioritize adding a quality starter alongside standout Quinnen Williams.

Enter Deone Walker.

Standing 6’6″ and weighing 348 pounds, Walker is a disruptive force who demands double teams, opening up opportunities for his teammates and frequently penetrating the backfields. His agility is remarkable for his size, allowing him to navigate blocks , pressure quarterbacks and do stuff Walker’s versatility allows him to line up at different positions on the line, and his high motor, combined with strong tackling, ensures he is relentless on every play. Named team captain as a sophomore, he brings leadership qualities that add to his value on and off the field.

Deone Walker’s physical profile and disruptive style make him an ideal fit for the Jets’ defensive front, where his presence alongside Quinnen Williams would form a formidable interior duo. Williams and Walker are strong linemen who can demand double teams, creating opportunities for edge players like Will McDonald and Jermaine Johnson, who is expected to return from an Achilles tear in 2025. With Walker and Williams manning the blockers and disrupting plays at the line. In scrimmage, McDonald and Johnson would have greater freedom to exploit gaps and attack the quarterback from the outside. This setup amplifies the Jets’ passing potential, allowing their edge players to capitalize on one-on-one matchups, wreaking havoc on opposing quarterbacks.

Luther Burden III: WR, Missouri Tigers

With veteran wide receiver Mike Williams set to enter free agency and uncertainty surrounding the futures of Allen Lazard and Davante Adams, both of whom could follow Aaron Rodgers’ lead in 2025, the Jets could use some new talent in the receiver room. Missouri Tigers standout wide receiver Luther Burden III fits that mold.

A former five-star recruit, Burden made waves at Missouri with his explosive playmaking ability, particularly in his sophomore season, where he rushed for 1,212 yards and nine touchdowns on 86 catches. Burden is a dynamic athlete with an electric first step, allowing him to create instant separation off the line. His body control and agility make him a misfit in contested catching situations, while his compact frame and physique allow him to play larger than his listed height. Burden’s speed, vision and contact balance make him a yard-after-catch machine, capable of turning short throws into big plays. He also provides value on special teams as a punt returner, adding another layer to his versatility.

Doubling Burden alongside Garrett Wilson would give the Jets a young, dynamic duo with complementary skill sets. While Wilson stretches defenses vertically and works the perimeter, Burden’s knack for creating in space and producing after the catch could add unpredictability to the offense. His versatility could allow the Jets to use him both in the slot and on designed plays, giving them an offensive weapon to fill in the gaps in their receiving corps.

Jonah Savaiinaea: OT/OG, Arizona Wildcats

With Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses potentially gone after 2024 and offensive line play being a weak spot for the Jets this season, tackling the line will be a priority heading into 2025. Jonah Savaiinaea could be a valuable addition. The Honolulu native proved his versatility and reliability at Arizona, starting at right guard as a freshman before moving to right tackle as a sophomore. His ability to hold down both positions while allowing just two sacks each season highlights his adaptability and impact in pass protection. Like 2024 first-round pick Olu Fashanu, Savaiinaea’s flexibility could stabilize the Jets’ line, even if players change positions or new faces join the unit.

Savaiinaea’s quickness out of position, lateral agility and high football IQ make him effective against complex defensive schemes. His hand strength and awareness allow him to neutralize bulls and manage stunts and blitzes. Although he struggles with balance and passing at times, his overall pass protection skills are exceptional. While his run blocking can be refined, especially shooting in space, his size and blocking presence make him a powerful asset right off the bat. With Savaiinaea’s versatility alongside Fashanu, the Jets could better protect their quarterback, providing stability to an offensive line in need of reliable talent.

Jay Higgins: ILB, Iowa Hawkeyes

Injuries and lack of depth at inside linebacker have hurt the Jets’ defense this season, making it clear they need to strengthen the position. As veteran CJ Mosley nears the end of his contract and Jamien Sherwood – who has performed admirably this year – prepares to hit free agency, there is an urgent need for an impact linebacker to learn under Mosley and possibly assume a starting role. Iowa’s Jay Higgins could be exactly what the Jets need.

Higgins, a star from Indianapolis, Ind., became the heart of Iowa’s defense in 2023, tying a school record with 171 total tackles and earning first-team All-America honors. Known for his sideline-to-sideline reach, Higgins is a reliable tackler who rarely misses, making him a reliable last line of defense against the run. His coverage skills are solid for an inside linebacker, which positions him well to contribute to nickel packages. Higgins’ leadership and field knowledge make him a natural general on the field, as demonstrated in his role as team captain, and his football IQ allows him to anticipate plays and be in the right place at the right time. moment.

Although Higgins lacks elite volume and straight-line speed, his tackling instincts and reliability make him a top prospect who could contribute immediately on special teams while learning the ropes in a defense professional. For the Jets, Higgins would be a natural understudy for Mosley, with the potential to develop into a starting role. His presence would provide much-needed depth and stability at a needed position, strengthening the Jets’ defensive core and filling a crucial gap in their linebacker rotation.

Colston Loveland: TE, Michigan Wolverines

With Tyler Conklin and Kenny Yeboah both set to hit free agency, the Jets tight end room could seriously need reinforcements in 2025. Michigan’s Colston Loveland offers a skill set that could provide an immediate boost. Known for his combination of size, athleticism and hands, Loveland consistently plays as both a receiver and blocker. His 6’5″ frame, quick footwork and precise routes make him a nightmare for linebackers and safeties. Loveland’s ability to gain yards after the catch (YAC) adds a dynamic element that would strengthen a Jets offense in need of more explosive playmakers.

As a versatile pass catcher, Loveland would fit well alongside young Jets star Garrett Wilson, giving the team a reliable target in the middle of the field. His high football IQ and advanced spatial awareness allow him to excel at creating separation and running precise routes. While Loveland is still working to improve his blocking consistency and add strength to maintain leverage, his overall profile as a dual-threat tight end positions him as a valuable addition. With Loveland in the fold, the Jets would benefit from a versatile offensive weapon capable of stretching defenses, helping take pressure off Wilson and adding a new layer to their passing game.