5 players with local ties NY Jets can target in 2024 NFL Draft

The NY Jets are preparing for what promises to be an important and eventful 2024 NFL Draft. The team has its sights set on many of the top prospects in this year's draft, and with ample flexibility, there are a number of different routes they can take.

From high-end wide receiver prospects to potential offensive line building blocks to a generational tight end, the Jets have their fair share of options entering the draft. But they're not only looking at the first-round prospects.

The Jets have been doing their homework on the entire 2024 NFL Draft class, and perhaps a few players with local ties could've caught their eyes.

We're going to take a closer look at five local New York/New Jersey products that could be potential targets for the Jets in this year's draft. All five of these players make sense as Jets draft targets.

5. Javontae Jean-Baptiste, EDGE, Notre Dame

A native of Spring Valley, NY, Javontae Jean-Baptiste grew up in Rockland County, around 40 miles north of New York City. After five years spent at Ohio State, Jean-Baptiste transferred to Notre Dame for his final year of eligibility.

The 23-year-old led Notre Dame in both sacks and tackles for loss in 2023, finishing the year with five sacks and 10.5 tackles behind the line of scrimmage. He showed promise in his lone year as a starter, but his age is working against him.

Jean-Baptiste measured in at just 6-foot-4, 239 pounds at the NFL Combine, although that was largely due to a bout with food poisoning. He weighed in at 247 pounds at his pro day and likely played at an even heavier weight at Notre Dame.

Jean-Baptiste is seen as a Day 3 pick, although he is one of two players on this list to have scheduled a top-30 visit with the Jets. The Jets are clearly showing interest — don't be surprised if he's a target later on Day 3.