4 safeties the NY Jets can target on Day 2 of the 2022 NFL Draft

The NY Jets were smart to add to their safety room with the free agency addition of Jordan Whitehead. However, season-ending injuries to veterans Marcus Maye and Lamarcus Joyner last year exposed the unit’s lack of depth.

Maye’s departure for New Orleans has left a hole in an already thin position group. Ashtyn Davis, Jason Pinnock, and Elijah Riley have had their moments, but none have shown enough to make the Jets content with their depth.

Two-high safety looks have become necessary to limit explosive plays for NFL offenses. With nine picks in the upcoming draft, the Jets can add a long-term solution at the safety position to complement Whitehead.

Former Notre Dame star safety Kyle Hamilton is the consensus top talent at his position. At 6-foot-4, Hamilton offers rare size at the position and has the upside to develop into a matchup nightmare at the next level.

Many draft analysts and media outlets have pegged the Jets as a potential landing spot for Hamilton, but I don’t believe that Robert Saleh and Joe Douglas would consider him in the first round. Both Saleh and Douglas believe that the game is won in the trenches and that an effective pass rush will result in better play from the secondary.

However, those worrying about the Jets’ outlook at safety can rest easy. The safety class in this year’s draft is filled with versatile players, and much like in recent years, instant-impact players can be found deep into the draft.

Here, we look at four safeties the Jets can target after the conclusion of the first round.