New York Jets 2025 draft fits for keyholes

The New York Jets The 3-6 start revealed needs in several key areas, from offensive line protection to defensive consistency and reliable playmaking options. Injuries and free agency departures loom on the horizon. To close the gaps, New York will need a draft class that brings in immediate impact players and depth across the board, setting the team up for success in 2025 and beyond.

Deone Walker: IDL, Kentucky Wildcats

With the potential departures of defensive linemen Leki Fotu, Solomon Thomas and Javon Kinlaw, the Jets will prioritize adding a quality starter alongside standout Quinnen Williams.

Enter Deone Walker.

At 6’6” and 348 pounds, Walker is a disruptive force that demands double teams, opening up opportunities for teammates and frequently penetrating backfields. His agility is remarkable for his size, allowing him to navigate blocks, pressure defenders and run. Walker’s versatility allows him to line up at different positions on the line, and his high motor combined with his solid approach ensures he’s relentless on every play. Named a team captain as a sophomore, he brings leadership qualities that add value on and off the field.

Deone Walker’s physical profile and disruptive style make him a perfect fit for the Jets’ defensive front, where his presence alongside Quinnen Williams would form a formidable interior duo. Williams and Walker are big linemen who can demand double teams, creating opportunities for top players like Will McDonald and Jermaine Johnson, who are set to return from a ruptured Achilles in 2025. With Walker and Williams manning blocks and breaking plays to the line. of scrimmage, McDonald and Johnson would have more freedom to exploit gaps and attack the outside linebacker. This setup amplifies the Jets’ pass rush potential, allowing their top players to capitalize on one-on-one matchups, wreaking havoc on opposing quarterbacks.

Luther Burden III: WR, Missouri Tigers

With veteran wide receiver Mike Williams set to hit free agency and uncertainty surrounding the futures of Allen Lazard and Davante Adams, both of whom could follow Aaron Rodgers’ lead in 2025, the Jets may need fresh talent in the receiver room. Missouri Tigers standout wide receiver Luther Burden III fits that mold.

A former five-star recruit, Burden made waves at Missouri with his explosive playmaking ability, especially during his sophomore season, where he racked up 1,212 yards and nine touchdowns on 86 catches. Burden is a dynamic athlete with an electric first step, allowing him to create instant separation off the line. His body control and agility make him a mismatch in contested catch situations, while his compact frame and physique allow him to play bigger than his listed size. Burden’s speed, vision and contact poise make him a yards-after-the-catch machine capable of turning short throws into chunk games. He also brings special value to teams as a punt returner, adding another layer to his versatility.

Lining Burden alongside Garrett Wilson would give the Jets a youthful and dynamic pairing with complementary skill sets. While Wilson stretches the defense vertically and works the perimeter, Burden’s knack for creating in space and producing after the catch could add unpredictability to the offense. His versatility could allow the Jets to use him in both the slot and projected plays, giving them an offensive weapon to fill any void in their receiving corps.

Jonah Savaiinaea: OT/OG, The Wildcats of Arizona

With Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses potentially gone after 2024 and offensive line play being a weak point for the Jets this season, line tackle will be a priority through 2025. Jonah Savaiinaea could be a valuable addition. The Honolulu native proved his versatility and reliability at Arizona, starting at right guard as a freshman before moving to right tackle as a sophomore. His ability to hold down both positions while allowing just two sacks each season underscores his versatility and impact in pass protection. Like 2024 first-round pick Olu Fashanu, Savaiinaea’s flexibility could stabilize the Jets’ line even as players move positions or new faces join the unit.

Savaiinaea’s quickness out of position, lateral agility and high football IQ make him effective against complex defensive schemes. His arm strength and awareness allow him to neutralize bull rushers and handle stunts and blitzes. Although he occasionally struggles with balance and overextends, his overall pass protection skills are exceptional. While his run blocking could use refinement, especially with space shooting, his size and blocking presence make him a strong asset up front. With Savaiinaea’s versatility alongside Fashanu, the Jets could better protect their quarterback, providing stability to an offensive line that needs reliable talent.

Jay Higgins: ILB, Iowa Hawkeyes

Injuries and a lack of depth at inside linebacker have plagued the Jets defense this season, making it clear they need to shore up the position. With veteran CJ Mosley nearing the end of his contract and Jamien Sherwood – who has filled in admirably this year – set to hit free agency, there is a pressing need for an impact linebacker to learn under Mosley and eventually , to take on a title role. Iowa’s Jay Higgins could be just what the Jets need.

Higgins, a standout from Indianapolis, Indiana, emerged as the heart of Iowa’s defense in 2023, tying a school record with 171 total tackles and earning first-team All-America honors. Known for his edge-to-edge range, Higgins is a reliable tackler who rarely misses, making him a reliable last line of defense against the run. His coverage skills are solid for an inside linebacker, positioning him well to contribute in nickel packages. Higgins’ leadership and pitch awareness make him a natural all-rounder, as shown in his role as team captain, and his football IQ allows him to anticipate match-ups and be in the right place at the right time.

While Higgins lacks elite bulk and straight-line speed, his instincts and reliability in the tackle make him a high-end prospect who could contribute immediately on special teams while learning the ropes in a pro defense. For the Jets, Higgins would be a natural understudy for Mosley with the potential to develop into a starting role. His presence would provide much-needed depth and stability at a position of need, bolstering the Jets’ defensive core and filling a crucial void in their linebacker rotation.

Colston Loveland: TE, Michigan Wolverines

With Tyler Conklin and Kenny Yeboah both set to hit free agency, the Jets’ tight end room could be in serious need of reinforcements in 2025. Michigan’s Colston Loveland offers a skill set that could provide an immediate boost. Known for his combination of size, athleticism and hands, Loveland plays consistently as both a receiver and blocker. His 6’5″ frame, quick footwork and sharp route running make him a matchup nightmare for linebackers and safeties alike. Loveland’s ability to gain yards after the catch (YAC) adds a dynamic element that would bolster a Jets offense in need of more explosive players.

A versatile pass catcher, Loveland would fit in well alongside young Jets star Garrett Wilson, giving the team a reliable target in the middle of the field. His high football IQ and advanced spatial awareness allow him to excel at creating separation and running precise routes. Although Loveland is still working to improve his blocking consistency and add strength to maintain leverage, his overall profile as a dual-threat tight end positions him as a valuable addition. With Loveland in the fold, the Jets would gain a versatile offensive weapon capable of stretching defenses, helping relieve pressure on Wilson and adding another layer to their passing game.