5 way-too-early targets for the NY Jets in the 2025 NFL Draft

2. Jabbar Muhammad, CB, Oregon

Some will question the mention of a cornerback here, and maybe later in this piece, but the position is an underrated need that is sneaking up on the team. D.J. Reed and Michael Carter II are both slated to be free agents after the 2024 season, and the Jets likely only keep one.

The Jets should probably prioritize Carter, as he is younger by three years and will most likely come with a cheaper price tag as a slot. That could leave the Jets with a huge hole on defense to fill.

Muhammad, 22, has proven himself to be in consideration for that role. While not the biggest cornerback at 5-foot-10, 183 pounds, he shows a lot of effort and feistiness in his game, which we know are both things Robert Saleh likes in his defensive players.

In his 2023 campaign at Washington, Muhammed only allowed a 60.6 passer rating while also compiling three interceptions and leading the nation in forced incompletions with 19.

3. Malaki Starks, S, Georgia

It's no secret the Jets have been looking for dependable playmaking starters at safety since the Jamal Adams-Marcus Maye era fell apart. They have tried to patch that hole with band-aids lately, the Chuck Clark trade and the dependence on Ashtyn Davis for example.

Joe Douglas and Robert Saleh could look to finally get a long-term elite option there in next year's draft. If so, Starks is probably their best option.

Starks, 20, is an elite playmaker in all senses of the word and a golden fit for Jeff Ublrich's tough style of defense. Starks has graded out as an elite run defender in both of his college seasons per Pro Football Focus while also being no slouch in coverage, compiling five interceptions and 12 PBUs in that time frame as well.

He is an absolute force on the back end. The type of efficient and violent run defense that Starks can bring to this team would be a massive boost for Ulbrich's unit, while also not losing the ball-hawking ability that you get from Ashtyn Davis.