NY Jets: Top 5 players they must target in 2016 NFL Draft

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 NY Jets have some major needs to fill heading into the 2016 NFL Draft. All it takes is another smart draft to address these needs and they’ll be back as contenders come next season.

Last year, the Jets had a brilliant offseason. They brought in an entire new leadership regime as general manager Mike Maccagnan was heralded as one of the main saviors of the Jets. Not only did he go on a spending spree in free agency to upgrade the roster, Maccagnan also had a brilliant draft.

However, things are a bit different this time around. Without the major amount of money at his disposal again, Maccagnan has some tough decisions to make heading into free agency. Depending on what cuts the Jets make and free agents they acquire, it could very well change their entire draft plans.

Regardless at this very moment, the Jets have some areas that are in dire need of upgrades. From their pass rush to the big question mark at running back, the Jets will have their work cut out for them heading into this year’s draft.

Without further adieu, here are the top five players they should target when they’re on the clock come draft day.

Next: 5. An injured but impressive linebacker

Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Braxton Miller (1) runs the ball against Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Jaylon Smith (9) in the first quarter during the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

5. Jaylon Smith (Linebacker – Notre Dame)

One area of need for the Jets last season was their lack of a consistent pass rush. Opposing teams were able to have their quarterbacks given plenty of time to extend plays due to the Jets’ defense not being able to bring the heat.

Smith could very well be the definitive answer they’ve been looking for, even though he’s coming off a serious injury he suffered at the Fiesta Bowl. According to Brian Hamilton of Sports Illustrated, Smith is expected to make a full recovery even though he’ll more than likely miss playing time entering next season.

At 6’2 and 240 pounds, Smith has the speed, aggression and overall skill-set to make the Jets’ defense even more potent. If the Jets wants to stick to drafting Smith, they might bring in another linebacker via free agency in the meantime until he’s fully healthy and ready to hit the field.

Despite his injury, Smith should be the real deal and address this issue once and for all when it comes to their lack of a pass rush.

Next: 4. A premier running back

Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Jarrett Grace (59) misses a tackle on Ohio State Buckeyes running back Ezekiel Elliott (15) during the first half in the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

4. Ezekiel Elliott (Running back – Ohio State)

While there is no guarantee that either Chris Ivory or Bilal Powell return to the Jets next season, they still need to add another premier running back to their offense. It helps setup the aerial game on offense nicely as the Jets became too one-dimensional last season due to their heavy passing attack.

Elliott looks like he could be the next best running back to hit the NFL and to have such an offensive play-maker on the Jets would only push the envelope even further for them next season. He also fits the way offensive coordinator Chan Gailey likes to utilize the running back position as a talent able to run or receive.

In his college career at Ohio State, Elliott totaled 3,961 rushing yards on 592 carries for 43 touchdowns. As a receiving option, Elliott totaled 449 receiving yards on 58 receptions for a touchdown. One can only imagine the damage he would do with how potent the Jets’ offense was last season.

Make no mistake about it, if the Jets add Elliott, they will have a future play-maker that could easily be a star for years to come.

Next: 3. A top offensive lineman

Jan 1, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Michigan State Spartans offensive tackle Jack Conklin (74) blocks Baylor Bears defensive end Shawn Oakman (2) during the 2015 Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium. The Spartans defeated the Bears 42-41. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

3. Jack Conklin (Offensive lineman – Michigan State)

To win plenty of football games means to win the battle of the trenches. The Jets’ offensive line is aging and needs some young talent infused into it. It was interesting to see the Jets shift gears last season, going from a heavy run-oriented team into a more aerial passing attack as the season progressed.

Drafting Conklin would be a nice upgrade on their offensive line as he’s able to help either establish the run or provide excellent pass protection. At 6’6 and 325 pounds, he has great strength, a high football IQ and also knows how to pick up blitzing defenders well.

Depending on what Gailey plans to do with the offensive playbook next season remains to be seen. He’d have to have a good idea on what talent he’s going to have to unleash but one thing is for sure, a much-improved offensive line is key for major success.

Conklin would be a nice fit for the Jets as he’s everything they need and more.

Next: 2. An offensive lineman ready to contribute

Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Taylor Decker on the bench against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Buckeyes defeated the Fighting Irish 44-28. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

2. Taylor Decker (Offensive lineman – Ohio State)

As many Jets fans know, their offensive line is more than likely their top priority to address this offseason. Expect to see the Jets possibly acquire another offensive lineman in free agency as well as draft some future pieces that will help down the road.

Make no mistake about it, the Jets know how important a strong offensive line can be. Taylor Decker is another option that would make sense for the Jets to draft. At 6’7 and 315 pounds, he would be an anchor on their line for years to come.

One of the biggest strengths of Decker is his leadership. Those around him look up to Decker as a leader and his locker room presence would be another nice dimension to have on the Jets. He’s got a great work ethic and always makes sure that everyone follows suit.

Decker has all the traits needed to be a smart draft pick that would only get better as he transitions into the NFL.

Next: 1. A premier linebacker

Nov 28, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines safety Jabrill Peppers (5) runs the ball Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Darron Lee (43) moves to defend in the first quarter at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

1. Darron Lee (Linebacker – Ohio State)

The Jets need to get faster at linebacker and if they don’t want to take a risk with Jaylon Smith, Darron Lee would be the next logical decision to make. He’s a tackling machine that also loves to get to the quarterback in a hurry.

In his collegiate career at Ohio State, Lee totaled 146 tackles, 11.0 sacks and three interceptions. With his speed and ability to find the ball-carrier with precision, he would wreak havoc for the Jets on a consistent basis every time he steps foot on the field.

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He’s also fast enough to be a quality blitzer but smart enough to cover whatever man he’s assigned to ensuring key defensive stops. He’s got as great motor in that you’ll see him literally on every play always around the action to make sure he’s in on it.

Lee would be a nice upgrade for the Jets at linebacker and be able to contribute immediately upon arrival.