10 NFL Draft prospects NY Jets fans should watch during conference championship weekend

The NY Jets will have an abundance of draft capital to use next year when they carry roughly nine picks, including as many as four inside the top-50, into the 2022 NFL Draft.

It's going to be another busy offseason for Joe Douglas and company as the Jets look to continue reconstructing their roster. Their efforts in the 2021 NFL Draft are already paying dividends.

While rookie quarterback Zach Wilson remains a question mark, other rookies such as Alijah Vera-Tucker, Elijah Moore, Michael Carter, and Michael Carter II have already shined in starting roles early in their careers.

This year's draft class has the chance to be something very special for the Jets organization. But their work is far from done.

The roster still has its fair share of holes as it's clear the Jets still need to continue rebuilding their young core. That will continue in this April's 2022 NFL Draft.

While still a few months out from the draft, the scouting grind never stops for the organization. And for fans who might want to keep an eye on some of the best prospects in this year's class, this weekend's slate of college games provides a golden opportunity.

Let's take a look at nine NFL Draft prospects to watch during this weekend's conference championship games.

1. NY Jets draft target: Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia

The SEC Championship Game between Georgia and Alabama likely features the most extensive collection of NFL prospects you're going to find in a game this weekend — perhaps in any game this year.

One prospect who could be high on the Jets' radar is Georgia linebacker Nakobe Dean. At 6-foot, 220 pounds, Dean is undersized but makes up for it with absurd athleticism, agility, and football instincts.

The Jets need linebacker help and Dean could go as early as the top-10 when all is said and done. Keep an eye on him later today.

2. NY Jets draft target: George Pickens, WR, Georgia

The Jets overhauled their wide receiver position in the offseason, but they could still look to target one in the 2022 NFL Draft. And while many will be eyeing Alabama's Jameson Williams and John Metchie III, the most interesting wide receiver prospect in this game is Georgia's George Pickens.

Pickens has received significant playing time since his freshman year in 2019 when he was named the MVP of the 2020 Sugar Bowl. He hoped to establish himself as one of the best wideouts in this year's class before a torn ACL suffered in spring practices sidelined him for the regular season.

He returned last week on a pitch count against Georgia Tech, but his snaps are expected to increase against Alabama. Returning from injury, Pickens has the most to gain or lose out of perhaps any prospect this weekend.

3. NY Jets draft target: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama

On the other side of the ball is Alabama stalwart left tackle Evan Neal. Neal is a mammoth of a tackle prospect standing at 6-foot-6, 360 pounds, although he moves like a man half his size.

Sound familiar? Pairing Neal up with Mekhi Becton could give the Jets one of the best young tackle duos in the NFL. And with many pegging Neal as a top-5 pick, the Jets should be in good position to draft him.

His experience playing right tackle could allow the Jets to shift him over to the right side and solidify the future of their offensive line.

4. NY Jets draft target: Jordan Battle, S, Alabama

One of the more underrated needs on the Jets' roster this offseason will likely be at safety. It seems unlikely that Marcus Maye will return leaving the Jets very thin at the position.

One prospect who they could target is Alabama's Jordan Battle. Battle is a versatile, experienced safety who has received regular playing time in Alabama's defense over the last three years.

He has the versatility to play either as a deep safety or down near the box. Battle is likely more of a Day 3 prospect at this time which could make him an ideal target in the second or third round.

5. NY Jets draft target: Christian Harris, LB, Alabama

One final player from that star-studded Georgia/Alabama game, linebacker Christian Harris is another potential target in April. A three-year starter at Alabama, Harris has the look and size of an NFL linebacker who has the athleticism to thrive in space.

Seen as one of the better linebackers in the nation, Harris projects as a three-down starter at the next level who can excel both in coverage and run defense.

The Jets could use one of those linebackers on their roster and he fits the mold of what Robert Saleh is looking for in his defense.

6. NY Jets draft target: Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati

The 2022 cornerback class is absolutely loaded with top-tier talent. From Derek Stingley Jr. to Kaiir Elam to Andrew Booth Jr. to Trent McDuffie, there could be as many as five (or more) cornerbacks taken in the first round.

But the only top prospect playing this weekend is Cincinnati's Ahmad Gardner. Nicknamed "Sauce," Gardner has excellent size standing at 6-foot-2, 188 pounds and he uses his size and length to excel in press-man coverage.

If you tune into the AAC Championship Game between Houston and Cincinnati on Saturday, be sure to keep a close eye on Gardner.

7. NY Jets draft target: Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa

A longtime favorite of Jets Twitter, Iowa's Tyler Linderbaum is one of the best center prospects the NFL has seen in years. As such, he has a chance to be selected very early in this year's draft.

At 6-foot-3, 290 pounds, Linderbaum has the raw power to dominate defenders at the point of attack and the athleticism necessary to get up into the second level and serve as a lead blocker.

He's probably best fit in a run-heavy, outside-zone scheme which could make him an excellent target for the Jets early in Round 1.

8. NY Jets draft target: Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan

Michigan's Aidan Hutchinson is making a strong case to be the No. 1 overall pick in next year's draft, giving Oregon's Kayvon Thibodeaux a run for his money. And his performance against Ohio State last week only continued his rise to stardom.

Hutchinson was a menace in that game finishing with three sacks and an unreal 15 pressures, the most in any game since Pro Football Focus began tracking pressures in 2014.

With another strong performance against Iowa, Hutchinson could solidify himself as the best prospect in this year's class. But if he somehow slips to the Jets' pick, you'd best believe they'll be very interested.

9. NY Jets draft target: David Ojabo, EDGE, Michigan

Hutchinson isn't the only talented edge rusher in Michigan's front-four. His running mate, David Ojabo, also has a chance to be drafted as early as the first round come April.

Ojabo has 10 sacks in 11 games this season and has quickly burst onto the scene in his first year as a starter. Only a redshirt sophomore, Ojabo would be one of the younger, least experienced players in next year's draft class if he declares.

He often gets overshadowed by Hutchinson, but don't overlook David Ojabo this weekend.

10. NY Jets draft target: Josh Ross, LB, Michigan

In a talented Michigan defense, Josh Ross oftentimes gets overlooked. But make no mistake, the starting senior linebacker is as important to that defense as any player.

Standing at 6-foot-2, 225 pounds, Ross combined excellent speed with a high football IQ and above-average play strength. He's been called the "heart of Michigan's defense" as one of the team's most vocal on-field leaders.

Ross likely won't be an early-round pick, but he's someone who could interest linebacker-needy teams like the Jets on Day 2 or 3 of the draft.