NY Jets must consider one of these falling prospects on Day 2 of 2025 NFL Draft

The New York Jets made the obvious but correct move on Day 1 of the 2025 NFL Draft, drafting Missouri right tackle Armand Membou with the No. 7 overall pick.

The pick filled arguably their biggest need, added a high-upside starter to the offensive line, and gave Justin Fields the kind of protection this franchise has too often neglected.

Day 2 brings a different kind of opportunity. Several highly regarded prospects unexpectedly slipped out of the first round, creating real value at the top of Round 2. With pick No. 42 in hand, the Jets are in a strong position to land a first-round talent without paying a first-round price.

Let's take a look at seven potential targets for the Jets in the second round of this year's draft.

NY Jets draft targets on Day 2

1. Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

Will Johnson might've been the first non-Travis Hunter cornerback taken on Thursday if not for medical concerns. The former Michigan star was voted first-team All-American in 2023 and somehow still received second-team All-American honors in 2024 despite playing just six games.

Johnson has battled numerous injuries over the last few seasons, which is why he's still available entering Day 2. But if the Jets want to bet big on his upside, they probably aren't going to find a more talented player still on the board in the second round.

2. Jayden Higgins, WR, Iowa State

After going offensive line on Day 1, the Jets seem likely to add a pass catcher at some point on Day 2. The Jets shouldn't hesitate if Iowa State's Jayden Higgins makes it to pick No. 42. Higgins is arguably the best wide receiver prospect still available.

At 6-foot-4, 215 pounds, Higgins brings the size and physical presence the Jets’ wide receiver room is sorely lacking. He’s a reliable, sure-handed target with the body control and route nuance to be an immediate starting X receiver at the next level.

RELATED: Jets 2025 NFL Draft: Iowa State WR Jayden Higgins Scouting Report

A Membou/Higgins pairing would be a dream draft scenario for the Jets in Rounds 1 and 2.

3. Nick Emmanwori, SAF, South Carolina

Many expected South Carolina's Nick Emmanwori to be the first safety off the board on Thursday. Instead, he managed to slide all the way to Day 2, where he is likely to be one of the first players off the board.

Emmanwori is an athletic freak who scored a perfect 10.0 RAS at the NFL Combine, making him statistically the most athletic safety the league has ever seen. If he makes it to 42, the Jets would have a very tough time passing.

4. Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Boston College

Another projected late first-round pick, Donovan Ezeiruaku earned Consensus All-American honors in 2024 after setting a Boston College single-season record with 16.5 sacks in just 12 games.

Ezeiruaku is a bit undersized for a full-time NFL defensive end, but he's an explosive pass rusher very much in the mold of someone like Will McDonald. The talent may be too much to pass up if he's still available at No. 42 overall.

5. Mason Taylor, TE, LSU

This year's tight end class is one of the deepest the NFL has seen in recent years, and LSU's Mason Taylor has a chance to be the first player at his position taken on Day 2. The son of NFL legend Jason Taylor became the most productive tight end in LSU history, setting records for career catches (129) and receiving yards (1,308).

Taylor is a well-rounded tight end prospect with above-average athleticism, reliable hands, and a competitive blocking streak that allows him to project as a day one starter at the position. Jets fans should also keep an eye on Miami's Elijah Arroyo in the second round.

6. Darius Alexander, DT, Toledo

In a deep defensive tackle class, some believed Toledo's Darius Alexander had a chance to sneak into the back half of Round 1. Instead, he's likely going to make some team very happy with an early pick on Day 2.

Alexander will turn 25 before his first NFL game, but his combination of length, power, and athleticism should make him an immediate contributor at the next level. The Jets can use another young body on the interior of their defensive line.

7. Xavier Watts, SAF, Notre Dame

Xavier Watts feels like one of the most overthought prospects in this draft class. An experienced, rangy safety with plus ball skills, elite college production, a high football character, and scheme versatility? Sounds like a day one starter to me.

The Jets are expected to address the safety position at some point during the draft, and if Watts is still on the board at pick 42, it wouldn't be a mistake to make the move early.