4 standouts from 2022 Senior Bowl Day 1 the NY Jets could target

The NY Jets have the opportunity to get an up-close look at a number of top 2022 NFL Draft prospects at this year's Senior Bowl. And with Senior Bowl practices officially underway, it's time to start getting to know some of those prospects.

Robert Saleh and the Jets' staff are in Mobile this week as one of two coaching staffs that have the privilege of coaching the players at the 2022 Senior Bowl.

While all 32 teams will be present, the Jets and Detroit Lions undoubtedly have a leg-up on their competition. They will work with these prospects firsthand and get to know them more than probably any other team there.

Don't be surprised if the Jets target a few Senior Bowl players during this year's draft. Some of those players may even be on this list.

With day one of Senior Bowl practices in the books, those in attendance were witness to a number of standouts. Some of these prospects were already receiving their fair share of hype while others proved that they deserve a bit more attention.

Either way, it's safe to say the arrow is pointing straight up for the four draft prospects we're about to talk about.

Let's take a look at four standouts from the first day of Senior Bowl practices that the Jets could target in the 2022 NFL Draft.

4. Travis Jones, DT, Connecticut

It's always difficult to get a feel for offensive and defensive linemen given the laid-back nature of the Senior Bowl practices. While the 1-on-1 matchups are always highly anticipated affairs, they aren't always a great indicator of talent.

That said, Connecticut's Travis Jones did everything in his power to make his presence felt on Tuesday.

Jones was an immovable object in the run game clogging up the A-gap and looking every part of the dominant run-stuffer he was in college. At 6-foot-4, 328 pounds, this shouldn't come as much of a surprise to anyone who has watched him play before.

Jones is one of the best run-stoppers in this class and someone who could go as early as Day 2 with a few more standout performances. That's especially true if he can continue to show the pass-rush potential he showed on Tuesday.

The former UConn star showed that he has more than enough athleticism and agility to pop as a pass-rusher as well. That versatility should go a long way come draft day.

The Jets could be looking for a replacement for Folorunso Fatukasi this offseason if he walks in free agency. If they're in the market for an athletic, high-upside 0-technique defensive tackle, Jones might just be their guy.

3. Zion Johnson, OG, Boston College

One position the Jets will undoubtedly look to address this offseason is the offensive line. There are a few question marks surrounding the Jets' offensive line at the moment, mainly at offensive tackle, but one position that absolutely has to be addressed is right guard.

Fortunately, there are a few impressive guard prospects in this year's class if that's the route the Jets want to take. One of said prospects who had a big day on Tuesday was Zion Johnson.

Johnson took snaps at both guard and center during practices and, despite having never played center before, managed to excel. Watching him snap the ball, you would have never believed he hadn't played the position before.

ESPN's Jordan Reid even called him "the best player on the field" for either team on Tuesday. Johnson was impressive in both team and 1-on-1 reps opening up running lanes and serving as a stout pass protector.

It just so happens that Johnson is being coached by the National Team, the team coached by the Jets. Perhaps there's a little bit of extra interest from Saleh and company.

The Jets could target Johnson early on Day 2 of the draft in search of their long-term answer at right guard. That is, if he even lasts that long at this point.

2. Jeremy Ruckert, TE, Ohio State

Jets fans who have followed the draft at all to this point are likely very familiar with Jeremy Ruckert. A Long Island native from Lindenhurst High School, Ruckert is one of a few mid-round tight end prospects the Jets could look to target in April.

Most mock drafts have him going somewhere around the third round, although more performances like the one he put together on Tuesday could make that more of a pipe dream than anything.

Ruckert is making a legitimate case to be TE1 in this draft class, and that's the argument The Athletic's Dane Brugler proposed after watching Ruckert on Tuesday.

The former Ohio State star showed off his soft hands and big-play ability serving as a reliable underneath target while flashing his upside. The highlight of his day might have been a low pass from quarterback Carson Strong that he scraped off the turf to somehow make the catch.

Ruckert is receiving plenty of buzz in Mobile with scouts reiterating the "better pro than college player" label. It's a moniker that followed fellow former Ohio State standouts such as Michael Thomas and Terry McLaurin as well.

His lack of collegiate production could cause some teams to balk, but they'd be doing themselves a disservice. Ruckert is a lot closer to being TE1 in this year's class than most probably realize.

1. Christian Watson, WR, North Dakota State

Christian Watson didn't come to Mobile as the most hyped wide receiver on either roster. The North Dakota State product could have easily been overshadowed by the likes of Jahan Dotson (later opted out), Romeo Doubs, and Jalen Tolbert.

Instead, Watson showed up on Tuesday and was maybe the best player on either side of the ball.

The 6-foot-4 National Team receiver caught absolutely everything that was thrown his way. It wasn't a particularly efficient day for the quarterbacks, but that didn't matter for Watson who used every inch of his wingspan to haul in seemingly uncatchable passes.

Watson showed off his impressive ball-tracking skills shining in 50/50 situations. He proved that he had no trouble separating either using his long strides to get behind the defense on a number of occasions.

Perhaps no player did more to improve their stock in the course of just one practice than Christian Watson. The Jets will likely be looking to add to their wide receiver corps this offseason and Watson could be an intriguing mid-round target.

If the Jets aren't looking to spend a top pick on a wide receiver, the big-bodied Watson is someone they should keep an eye on. More performances like this one could see him climb closer to the top of Day 2.