Last season, Todd Bowles was able to quickly turn around the New York Jets franchise. The team went 10-6 on the year and just missed out on the playoffs despite having Ryan Fitzpatrick as their quarterback. With a few more upgrades, the Jets could sport one of the AFC’s best teams. Here is a look at who they may end up targeting in the 2016 NFL Draft.
Round 1: LB Reggie Ragland – Alabama
Getty ImagesThe Jets will have two inside linebackers under contract at the beginning of free agency. The team needs an upgrade there anyway, and Ragland will develop into one of the better linebackers in the league thanks to his instincts.
Round 2: DE Shilique Calhoun – Michigan State
Getty ImagesThe one weakness of the Jets’ defense is their lack of pass rushing depth at the outside linebacker position. Calhoun is a player who has a good motor and has been productive during his college career. He could start right away for the team.
Round 3: RB Paul Perkins – UCLA
Getty ImagesChris Ivory, Bilal Powell and Stevan Ridley are all free agents. The Jets will likely try to bring Powell back, but they will need a power back to complement him. Perkins fits the bill, and he will be in position for a good rookie year.
Round 4: OT Jerald Hawkins – LSU
Getty ImagesD’Brickashaw Ferguson is starting to show his age, so the Jets should look to add a successor soon. Hawkins is a major work in progress, but he has the prototypical size teams look for in a left tackle. He could develop into a strong starter.
Round 5: QB Kevin Hogan – Stanford
Getty ImagesRyan Fitzpatrick is likely to return to the team, but they may move on from either Geno Smith or Bryce Petty this offseason. Hogan is a big-time sleeper who could develop into a good starter if given a couple of years to improve his consistency.
Round 6: DT Antwaun Woods – USC
Getty ImagesThe Jets may end up losing Damon Harrison to free agency, so they will need to add another run stuffer in case he does not come back. Woods has some upside as a balanced nose tackle, and his 320-pound frame will help him in the NFL.
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