NY Jets: Top 5 NFL draft prospects to target

Dec 31, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Michigan State Spartans offensive tackle Jack Conklin (74) during the game against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2015 Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

The draft position of the NY Jets is locked in at No. 20, but what prospects might be there? The Jets should target players that can contribute immediately.

It is now officially the off-season for the Jets and it is time to focus on the 2016 NFL draft. The Jets were the best team not to make the playoffs at 10-6, which means they got stuck with the worst pick possible for teams who didn’t make the NFL Playoffs.

Though we have to look on the bright side, the Jets improved from 2014 to 2015 and this team is only going to get better. That starts and ends with the draft, which the Jets head into after having a very successful one last year.

With the Jets picking 20th overall, there should be an array of talented prospects who could immediately step in and make an impact for the Jets. Here are the top five NFL draft prospects that would make sense for the Jets to select when they’re on the clock.

Next: 5. It's time for the next great running back

Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Ezekiel Elliott (15) carries the ball during the second half against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

5. It’s time for the next great running back

I know there’s a hundred reasons not to draft Ezekiel Elliott: character concerns, a selfish attitude and a guy who wants his stats. But there is another hundred reasons to draft Elliott near the middle of the first round.

Currently the three running backs on the roster for the Jets are headed to free agency, unless the Jets decide to re-sign them, which is not totally out of the question. Money will certainly be a factor, which makes it even more prevalent to take a cheaper running back in the draft.

Elliott has everything you look for in a franchise running back, he can do it all as he’s a gifted runner, has soft hands as a pass-catcher and his ability to pass protect can’t be understated. For the Jets he could be an offensive rookie of the year with the talent they have on offense.

Last year was the anomaly with two first-round running backs being selected and only seeing Todd Gurley succeed will certainly make general manager Mike Maccagnan think long and hard about it. But every year is different and every running back is different and Elliott has the potential to be a really special player.

Next: 4. An injection of youth on the offensive line

Sep 4, 2015; Kalamazoo, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans offensive tackle Jack Conklin (74) walks off the field during the 1st half of a game against the Western Michigan Broncos at Waldo Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

4. An injection of youth on the offensive line

That is exactly what Jack Conklin can be for this Jets’ offensive line. Conklin is a versatile offensive linemen who has the capability to play any of the five spots on the line.

Though I think Conklin could instantly replace Breno Giacomini at right tackle and perhaps eventually slide over and replace D’brickashaw Ferguson when he retires. When healthy, Conklin is a hard-nosed hog in the trenches and is an absolute mauler in the run game.

I’m in love with his size standing at 6’6 320 pounds plus, though I’d like to see him add a little more weight to fill the rest of his frame. Giacomini was awful for the Jets in 2015 and the Jets need a replacement in the worst of ways.

It was bittersweet to see Willie Colon go down this year, but to see the way Brian Winters stepped up is promising. Now the Jets need to complete the overhaul on the right side of their offensive line for the present and the future, they can do that easily with this selection.

Next: 3. The talent is undeniable

Sep 13, 2014; Oxford, MS, USA; Mississippi Rebels defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche (5) steps up to the line during the game against the Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin Cajuns at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports

3. The talent is undeniable

Okay before I get blown up with comments about another defensive linemen, let me explain. I actually think Robert Nkemdiche has the ability to rush the passer as a 3-4 outside linebacker.

So Muhammad Wilkerson is recovering from a broken leg and he is still yet without a new contract. Sheldon Richardson near the end of the season showed his versatility in a stand up outside linebacker role.

On top of that, Damon Harrison is an unrestricted free agent. Though this is another player with red flags, I think the talent is undeniable. This guy was the No. 1 ranked recruit coming out of high school for a reason as he’s got unreal talent.

Imagine Nkemdiche on the Jets’ defensive line? I have trust that if the Jets selected Nkemdiche, head coach Todd Bowles would find the best position to play him in. Nkemdiche was slotted as a sure fire first overall pick, but he fell out of a hotel window and has been caught with marijuana. The talent is there, but certainly buyer beware.

Next: 2. Quarterback controversy

Dec 30, 2015; Birmingham, AL, USA; Memphis Tigers quarterback Paxton Lynch (12) drops back to pass against Auburn Tigers in the 2015 Birmingham Bowl at Legion Field. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

2. Quarterback controversy

I’m going to come right out of the gate and say this is probably the most unlikely scenario to unfold for Paxton Lynch to be a Jet. But again, with your only quarterbacks currently under contract being Geno Smith and Bryce Petty, one might feel inclined to improve the position.

There is still the possibility and heavy probability that Ryan Fitzpatrick will be re-signed, but if he isn’t let the games begin. Lynch reminds me of Joe Flacco and not just because of the unreal size.

Both are from relatively small schools, both have great size for the position. both have rocket arms and lastly, both were a bit raw coming out. Another thing they share is there unreal potential, an extremely high upside.

The competition level will be a concern and to be honest he has some bad film out there which will be picked apart at the NFL Scouting Combine by respective coaches and general managers. But you never say never in this business as he could be there at No. 20.

Next: 1. A guy can hope, can't he?

Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Jaylon Smith (9) is carted off the field after being injured against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the first half of the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

1. A guy can hope, can’t he?

Jaylon Smith is my favorite player in this year’s draft. If I were the Tennessee Titans, there would be no hesitation, I would draft this guy without giving it a second thought. I’ve seen every Notre Dame game over the last four to five years and this guy just pops on film. Smith has crazy pass rushing moves as I’ve seen him bull-rush offensive tackles, use a Dwight Freeney spin move on guards and prove why he is the total package.

Not only can he rush the passer but he can cover too. He has the athleticism to cover tight ends down the seam, can cover running backs out of the backfield and even occasionally a wide receiver if need be. The only reason why this guy is on this list is because of the tragic injury he sustained in the Fiesta Bowl.

More jets: Top 5 things that went right in 2015 for the Jets

According to multiple sources, Smith tore his left ACL and MCL and is set to have reconstructive knee surgery. Fortunately Smith has a $5 million loss-of-value insurance policy against injury and can make a claim if he isn’t selected in the first-round of this year’s draft. Though if I have it my way he won’t have to worry about that.

Smith would fit perfectly as the opposite 3-4 outside linebacker across from Lorenzo Mauldin in Bowles’ defensive schemes. With the Smith addition it would make the Jets have arguably the best front seven in all of football. Though with the success that Gurley had after coming back from a devastating knee injury, someone in the top 19 might be more inclined to take a chance on a top-three talent in the draft.