One position can reportedly be ruled out for NY Jets early in the 2025 NFL Draft

The New York Jets still have plenty of roster needs to address as they approach the 2025 NFL Draft. From offensive line help to pass catchers to extra defensive line depth, just about every position group remains a potential target.

With the No. 7 overall pick in this year's draft, the Jets should have the opportunity to go in a number of different directions. General manager Darren Mougey may be tempted to target a pass catcher such as Penn State tight end Tyler Warren or Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan.

Mougey may have his eyes on offensive line help, with players like Missouri's Armand Membou and LSU's Will Campbell atop the list. The Jets could even consider drafting a defensive lineman in the first round, especially if Michigan's Mason Graham falls to them.

There is one position, however, that we can safely rule out the Jets targeting early in the 2025 draft. ESPN's Rich Cimini confirmed that notion in a report on Sunday.

NY Jets not expected to target cornerback early in 2025 NFL Draft

Cimini is reporting that "it would be a surprise" if the Jets used a high pick on a cornerback in this year's draft. In reality, Jets fans probably don't need a report to tell them that — it's common sense.

The Jets parted ways with D.J. Reed this offseason, as the former Kansas State standout signed a three-year, $48 million deal with the Detroit Lions in free agency. The team wasted little time bringing in his replacement, inking Brandon Stephens to a three-year, $36 million deal of his own.

Stephens is coming off a lackluster season with the Baltimore Ravens, but the Jets will be entrusting him to take Reed's place in the starting lineup. The rest of the Jets' cornerback is pretty much already set.

Sauce Gardner is set to return as one of the premier cornerbacks in the NFL — and quite possibly the highest-paid player at his position by the time Week 1 rolls around. He will be paired with Michael Carter II, who is hoping to rebound from an injury-riddled 2024 campaign.

The depth behind Gardner, Stephens, and Carter is promising too, even with the departure of Brandin Echols. Young cornerbacks such as Qwan'tez Stiggers and Jarrick Bernard-Converse will compete for depth spots alongside the newly signed Kris Boyd, who should fill Echols' role on special teams.

The Jets also re-signed versatile defensive back Isaiah Oliver, who the new coaching staff reportedly views as more of a cornerback. That's seven cornerbacks who figure to make a strong case to be on the 53-man roster come September.

Not only is it unlikely that the Jets will use a high pick on the position, but it would probably be best to avoid drafting a cornerback at any point this year. The Jets' cornerback room is crowded as is, and the team has numerous other needs to address.

The Jets have the luxury of stability and depth at cornerback — rare commodities in today’s NFL. With so many other holes to fill, there’s little reason to add to a position that’s already a strength.

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