5 early contenders for the NY Jets second-round pick in 2023

2. NY Jets draft target: Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee

It is possible that the Jets don’t take an offensive tackle in the first round and will still need to address that position here. Getting someone like Darnell Wright would be great for the Jets' offensive tackle depth.

Wright was a top-10 recruit in 2019 and had a productive career at Tennessee. He started his career as the starting right tackle, where he allowed five sacks in over 560 snaps played.

Wright moved to left tackle in 2021 and improved, allowing only three sacks in over 900 snaps. This past season, Wright moved back to the right side and had his best season yet, not allowing a sack in almost 900 snaps.

Wright has real experience at both tackle spots and has gotten better every year. The Jets can use someone like him, even if not to play this season but to develop for the future.

3. NY Jets draft target: Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina

With both Corey Davis and Braxton Berrios looking like potential cap casualties, wide receiver will be a need for the Jets this offseason.

According to SNY's Connor Hughes, the Jets have optimism that Nathaniel Hackett will connect more with Denzel Mims than Mike LaFleur did. Mims is a bigger-bodied receiver like Davis, so maybe they could get someone like Josh Downs to replace Berrios.

Downs has thrived in the slot for North Carolina over the past two seasons. In 2021, Downs had 101 catches for 1,335 yards and eight touchdowns. In 2022, he followed that up with 94 catches for 1,029 yards and 11 touchdowns. Downs also has experience as a punt returner.

Downs had a very productive college career, and with the Jets' need for playmakers on offense and a returner on special teams, he would be a great option in the second round.