Five Realistic Targets for the Jets in Round 2 of the NFL Draft

The second round of the draft has been a problem for the Jets. These five guys could change that.

For the New York Jets, a lot of things can happen in the 2025 NFL draft. The first round is always the most exciting, but I’d like to look at some potential options for the Jets in the second round of the draft. In recent years, the Jets seemed to have finally found more hits than misses on Day 2. Whether that will continue remains to be seen. However, these are some realistic targets New York could select in the second round of the NFL draft.

NY Jets: Realistic Targets in Round 2

Jaxson Dart, Quarterback – Ole Miss

With the obvious need at quarterback, the Jets have been closely linked to Jaxson Dart throughout the early stages of the draft process. Whether or not there’s fire to that smoke, remains to be seen. However, Dart is an interesting prospect.

PFF gave Dart the highest passing grade among quarterbacks in 2024, coming in at 91.7. The Rebels’ quarterback had 3872 yards this past season, with 25 touchdowns to six interceptions, while leading the nation in yards per attempt (10.6). Dart was a big play machine for Ole Miss, finishing second in the FBS in Big Time Throw percentage (6.7) while only having a 2.2 turnover play percentage (17th of 112 qualifying players).

Those numbers are pretty impressive when you consider Dart’s play style resembles someone out of a game of Madden more than your stereotypical pocket passer.

While Dart does have his issues throwing to the far hash, he tosses a pretty football with some insane accuracy. It’s easy to get enamored, which is both a good and bad thing.

With quarterbacks consistently going higher than expected in recent drafts, there’s a chance Dart could sneak himself into the back end of the first round. However, given how early the Jets are selecting in the second, there’s a realistic chance Dart could be available.

Jalen Royals, Wide Receiver – Utah State

There’s a world where the Jets are able to pair Jaxson Dart with Ole Miss teammate Tre Harris in the 2025 NFL draft. Since this isn’t a mock draft and we’re looking at realistic targets in the second round, Jalen Royals could be a very interesting selection here.

Unlike the “YAC King” the Jets drafted last year, Royals is truly dominant with the ball in his hands. On top of that, he can win elsewhere on the field, too.

The Utah State product reportedly ran a sub-4.40 40-yard dash time with the Aggies. If he’s able to do that at the NFL Combine, rest assured his stock will rise.

The Jets need a playmaker opposite of Garrett Wilson. Royals brings that to the table, and does so with incredible work ethic and demeanor.

The irony of watching Royals is that he’s so fluid, it seems as if he’s running in slow motion. Yet, he has the ability to take it to the house on every touch. 42nd overall might be a little too spicy for some now, but I don’t think it will be once the NFL Combine is completed.

Wyatt Milum, Offensive Lineman – West Virginia

Wyatt Milum is a mauler of an offensive lineman. He was the highest graded pass-blocking tackle this past season per PFF with a 92.6 grade. The Mountaineer also had the third-highest run-blocking grade among offensive tackles, at 89.2. Milum is an aggressive offensive lineman with plenty of power.

Milum has experience playing at both tackle positions in his college career. And, at the Senior Bowl, the West Virginia product also took reps at guard with success.

A move inside may be best for Milum’s career. One thing is certain, however, and that is Milum will be a dominant presence on the offensive line. That type of versatility could be incredibly useful for the Jets, especially if New York is getting it from a high-level player.

Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE – Boston College

With questions regarding the readiness of Jermaine Johnson for 2025, the Jets will need to have an answer at the EDGE position. A second round pick may be too rich for some, but a difference maker like Ezeiruaku could be just what the doctor ordered for New York.

This season, Ezeiruaku was finally allowed to take his hand out of the dirt and rush from a 2-point stance, and it paid off in a big way. Despite his 6-foot-2 frame, Ezeiruaku has elite length and bend to get by offensive tackles. The Boston College product finished second in the FBS in sacks this season (14) and total pressures (60).

In true pass sets, Ezeiruaku is the 8th-highest graded EDGE in the FBS. He leads all qualifying players in sacks during those opportunities with a pass-rush productivity rate of 13.2.

While he translates more as a pass-rush specialist, Ezeiruaku is also a talented run-stopper. He holds just an 8.1 missed tackle rate, while ranking second among EDGE players with 42 stops.

If New York decides to take an interior defensive lineman or offensive player in the first round, it makes sense for them to go after a talented EDGE like Ezeiruaku in the second round.

Xavier Watts, Safety – Notre Dame

There’s no question that the Jets have a massive hole at the safety position. While they may address some of that through free agency, it could also be done through the NFL draft. If the Jets decide to go the latter route, one player that makes sense in the second round is Notre Dame safety Xavier Watts.

Watts is a dynamic hybrid safety who shows a tremendous football IQ and a knack for disrupting plays. He’s a do-it-all type of safety, who even has experience playing as the NB for the Fighting Irish.

Watts led all safeties with six interceptions this past season. He also gave up the 10th-lowest NFL Passer Rating among his peers, too.

Given my previous article, there’s no real surprise who I think the Jets should target at safety (though I’d love R.J. Mickens, too). However, I’m sure that new head coach Aaron Glenn wants a cerebral player manning the back end of the defense. It’s hard to find a better player in this year’s draft at the safety position capable of doing so than Watts.