5 linebackers the NY Jets can target in the 2022 NFL Draft

The NY Jets have plenty of needs going into the 2022 NFL Draft, and while linebacker isn’t at the top of the list, it’s a position the Jets need to sure up going into the future.

With plenty of talent in the draft but also plenty of holes to fill, the Jets have a big-time decision to make. However, if they want to trade back into Round 1, we could see a difference-maker joining Robert Saleh’s defense.

No one should expect Gang Green to look at a linebacker with picks No. 4 or 10, but if some of these talents were to fall, the Jets would be foolish not to take a look.

If that were to happen, here are five names that all Jets fans should be keeping an eye on for New York on draft day.

1. The NY Jets could target Nakobe Dean

Nakobe Dean is a fantastic athlete, and among the star-studded Georgia defense, he was able to shine, and while the NFL will give him more responsibility, he is more than up for the challenge.

He has some of the best football instincts in the draft, and with quickness, athleticism, and great decision-making, he should be a three-down starter in the NFL immediately. He likely won’t make it past Day 1 of the draft.

The Jets would likely have to trade back into Round 1 to get a player of this caliber, but if they believe he can be a difference-maker alongside C.J. Mosley, it would be very well worth it.

2. The NY Jets could target Utah’s Devin Lloyd

In 2021, the Jets severely struggled to make game-changing plays on defense, and while Devin Lloyd will take time to adjust to the NFL, he would bring just that in the middle of the field.

Some believe Lloyd sometimes has a tendency to take plays off, but when he is on, he can make a play in all phases of the game, and would bring instant energy to the Jets' new-look defense.

It’s likely that Lloyd will be taken somewhere in the 20s, but the Jets, starving for blue-chip difference-makers need to explore that option. He could be a team leader for years and years to come.

3. The NY Jets could target Chad Muma on day two

Chad Muma is one of the most instinctive defensive players in the upcoming draft with great eyes that allow him to be around the ball all the time. Adding a playmaker like that alongside C.J. Mosley to build as the future of the Jets' defense is a great idea for the team.

Muma grades out as a future starter, and while the Jets likely wouldn’t use a pick before No. 69 on him, if he does last until that pick, Joe Douglas would be silly not to draft a future leader and perhaps captain of this ever-improving defense.

Football IQ and tackling are two of Chad Muma’s greatest abilities. With a lack of experience and depth at linebacker, the Jets could sorely use someone like this. If Muma does last until pick No. 69 for the Jets to snatch him up, he could be one of the steals of the draft.

4. The NY Jets could target Alabama’s Christian Harris

With C.J. Mosley’s up-and-down tenure with the Jets likely coming to an end soon, the team will be looking for a future starter to replace him, and Alabama’s Christian Harris grades out as such.

Coming from the Alabama system, Harris is coachable, and while he has room for improvement, the talent is there. Learning from Mosely could help turn Harris into a true star in the NFL, and the Jets may look to pick No. 69 to make this happen.

Harris exudes violence, and that aggression would be a great fit with the Jets. Given he will likely be available late on Day 2, it’s a no-brainer.

5. The NY Jets should target Troy Andersen from Montana State

Athleticism and speed are two key components to Robert Saleh’s defense, and they are traits that Troy Andersen possesses, making him the perfect Day 2 steal for the Jets in the upcoming draft.

Andersen likely wouldn’t be a three-down player for the first year or two of his career, as he still has plenty to learn about the nuance of playing linebacker, but his instincts and speed can’t be taught. He could become great depth for the Jets immediately.

Coming from a smaller school, not many fans might be aware of his talents, but with the right coaching and leadership, Andersen could be a great player in the NFL one day. If he is available at pick No. 69, the Jets have to jump all over the opportunity.