NY Jets: 4 potential Marcus Maye replacements in the 2022 NFL Draft

1. NY Jets draft target: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame

There was never going to be any other name atop this list. If you've paid any attention at all to the 2022 NFL Draft class, even just a glimpse at the top-10 prospects, chances are you've at least heard of Kyle Hamilton.

Hamilton is the consensus best safety in college football. And he's arguably one of the best overall players at any position.

In Pro Football Network's early 2022 NFL Draft Big Board, Hamilton was ranked as the No. 2 overall prospect behind just Oregon pass rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux. He's that good.

At 6-foot-4, 219 pounds, Hamilton combines incredible size and athleticism with intelligence and polish beyond his years. Despite only playing sparingly as a backup in 2019, Hamilton recorded 41 interceptions as a true freshman.

As one might imagine, it wasn't long before he took over the starting job in 2020. And he picked up right where he left off being named first-team All-ACC following another excellent season.

Hamilton has the chance to solidify himself as a future top-10 pick provided he doesn't take a step back in 2021.

With two first-round picks in the 2022 NFL Draft, perhaps the Jets look to replace Maye with a major draft-day splash.

If you're keeping an eye on one safety heading into the 2021 college football season, it should be Kyle Hamilton.