Best players remaining for NY Jets after NFL Draft Day 1

The NY Jets landed a player they hope will be their left tackle of the future when they selected Penn State offensive tackle Olu Fashanu in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. But the fun is just getting started.

While the Jets are only slated to have one pick on Day 2 (No. 72 overall), the team has ample Day 3 ammunition, especially after Thursday night's trade-down, to move up if need be.

There are still quite a few appealing targets remaining as we enter the second day of the draft. The following 15 players aren't necessarily the best players available, but they are some of the most high-profile and realistic Jets targets still on the board.

Let's take a look at 15 of the best Jets targets remaining after Day 1 of the 2024 NFL Draft.

15. Cole Bishop, S, Utah

If the Jets have any defensive position that still needs addressing, it's the safety position. Utah's Cole Bishop is a downhill, physical safety who has the range and football IQ needed to be a day-one contributor at the NFL level.

Bishop can join a safety room that features the likes of Chuck Clark, Tony Adams, and Ashtyn Davis, with the thought that he could be Clark's future replacement. He should be available if the Jets stay put at No. 72 overall.

14. Mohamed Kamara, EDGE, Colorado State

The Jets don't need to draft an edge rusher by any means, but Robert Saleh likely took one look at Colorado State's Mohamed Kamara and instantly fell in love. There's a reason the Jets brought Kamara in for a top-30 visit.

Although he's undersized, Kamara has a lightning-quick first step and plays with a red-hot motor that has many drawing comparisons to Bryce Huff. He's definitely a possible mid-round target for the Jets, even if many fans would prefer the team go in a different direction.

13. Ja'Lynn Polk, WR, Washington

The Jets seem likely to target a wide receiver on Day 2 of the draft, and one player who should catch their eye, if he's still available, is Washington's Ja'Lynn Polk.

After missing on one Washington wide receiver in the first round, the Jets could draft a different one on Day 2 in the form of the 6-foot-1, 203-pound Polk. He's a projected Day 2 pick.

12. Christian Haynes, OG, Connecticut

The Jets definitely don't need to double-up on offensive linemen with their first two picks, but if they do, Connecticut's Christian Haynes is one of the best players, at any position, still available.

Haynes played more than 50 games over five seasons at Connecticut and would give the Jets increased interior depth along their offensive line. There's a chance he could even compete with John Simpson for a starting job.

11. Devontez Walker, WR, North Carolina

One of the best deep threats in this draft class, North Carolina's Devontez Walker ran a blazing 4.36 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine and has the speed and ball-tracking skills to take the top off opposing defenses.

Walker ran a limited route tree at Kent State and North Carolina, but his downfield ability should give him a role early in the NFL. He's a very realistic target for the Jets on Day 2.

10. Audric Estime, RB, Notre Dame

It's hard to imagine the Jets draft a running back on Day 2, but if they do go that route, Notre Dame's Audric Estime would be a perfect fit as a bruising, short-yardage back alongside Breece Hall.

Estime is likely more of an early Day 3 target, and the Jets probably shouldn't be using a Day 2 pick on a running back. Still, he's someone the Jets should keep an eye on, especially as we draw closer to Saturday.

9. Maason Smith, DT, LSU

Once again, the Jets absolutely do not need to draft a defensive lineman, but this is still Robert Saleh's team. Much like with Mohamed Kamara, the Jets brought LSU's Maason Smith in for a top-30 visit — a strong indication that the team is interested.

Smith is a prototypical Saleh defensive tackle whose production never matched his potential in college, but whose athleticism and upside will appeal to NFL teams. The Jets could be one of those teams.

8. Dominick Puni, OL, Kansas

If the Jets do draft another offensive lineman on Day 2, Kansas' Dominick Puni makes a ton of sense. Puni is a super versatile offensive line prospect who started games at left tackle, right tackle, and left guard in college.

Most project Puni as a guard at the next level, but he has the ability to play tackle in a pinch. He's an option on Day 2 if the Jets are dead set on continuing to upgrade their offensive line depth.

7. Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State

Keon Coleman has a chance to be the first player taken on Day 2 of the draft, meaning that the Jets might have to trade up quite a bit if they want to grab him. Nonetheless, he is still one of the best feasible targets available.

Coleman's route-running is still a work in progress, but he's a physically dominant wide receiver with excellent body control. He can essentially function as a future Mike Williams replacement and a potential Allen Lazard upgrade.

6. Malachi Corley, WR, Western Kentucky

Malachi Corley is one of the more polarizing prospects in this year's class. Some see him as a Deebo Samuel clone who could have a similar impact at the next level. Others see him as an unrefined gadget player who doesn't have a defined role.

Nonetheless, Corley's dynamic playmaking ability makes him an intriguing target for the Jets on Day 2. He's another player they'd likely have to trade up to grab.

5. Johnny Newton, DT, Illinois

The Jets almost certainly aren't going to be drafting Johnny Newton, but his slide outside of the first round remains one of the more surprising takeaways from the draft's first night.

Newton is an undersized but exciting 3-tech prospect who has a high ceiling in the NFL. I'm sure Robert Saleh would love to have him on the Jets' roster, but it's hard to see the team trading up to the beginning of the second round for a defensive lineman.

4. Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon

Troy Franklin put together the most prolific receiving season in Oregon history in 2023, finishing with 81 catches for 1,383 yards and 14 touchdowns. He's a big play waiting to happen, with 4.41 speed and excellent downfield ability.

Franklin's frame is thin and he's still working on his route running (he really struggles to consistently win against press coverage), but he's another exciting Day 2 wide receiver prospect in a loaded receiver class.

3. Jaden Hicks, S, Washington State

If the Jets are going to target any defensive player on Day 2, Jaden Hicks should be their guy. The Washington State product is seen by many as the best safety prospect in this year's class.

At 6-foot-2, 215 pounds, Hicks is a rangy athlete with great size for the safety position and the traits to be a plus starter in the NFL. The Jets probably shouldn't prioritize defense on Day 2, but Hicks would be a fun target nonetheless.

2. Roman Wilson, WR, Michigan

There are still a few really talented wide receiver prospects remaining as we enter Day 2. Michigan's Roman Wilson is among the best. Wilson's college numbers don't jump off the chart, but his high-end speed and savvy route-running make him a very appealing Day 2 target.

Wilson is probably best as a speedy and reliable slot receiver in the NFL, and there's every reason to believe he'll be a more productive player as a pro.

1. Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia

One of the best remaining players available should also be the top target left on the Jets' draft board. Unfortunately, there's a good chance Ladd McConkey is taken within the first few picks of the second round.

McConkey is one of the best route-runners in this draft class, with 4.39 speed and a lightning-quick release. He should have a long NFL career as a productive second or third option in any offense.