Looking at linebackers, cornerbacks and safeties for the Jets to target in the draft.
The secondary was a complete and total disaster last season. The Jets need help at cornerback and safety. They signed Morris Claiborne in free agency, but they still could use a long-term answer at the position. The Ohio State duo of Marshon Lattimore and Gareon Conley could be targets for the Jets at No. 6. Washington’s Budda Baker is an interesting player who could be available in Round 2. He plays safety and nickel corner.
The safety position is another area of need. Marcus Gilchrist is coming off a major injury, and Calvin Pryor has been a disappointment. LSU’s Jamal Adams or Ohio State’s Malik Hooker make a ton of sense in the first round if either one of them is there when the Jets pick.
The Jets just drafted Darron Lee last year at inside linebacker, but they are going to need to add a replacement for David Harris, who is in the final year of his contract. Reuben Foster of Alabama is the only linebacker worth taking at 6, but I think they will address this position later in the draft.
Top-5 linebackers
1. Reuben Foster, Alabama, 6-1, 240
Hands down the best of the group. Has chance to be a game changer for an NFL team. Ran a 4.72 in 40, had 115 tackles, 13 for losses and five sacks in 2016.
2. Zach Cunningham, Vanderbilt, 6-4, 230
Three-year star with incredible production (256 tackles in 156 games) against top competition. Ran 4.75 in 40, had 125 tackles, 16 ½ for losses and two forced fumbles in 2016.
3. Jarrad Davis, Florida, 6-2, 238
Played middle linebacker and was everywhere for Gators as a crunching hitter. Ran 4.68 in 40, had 60 tackles and two sacks in 2016.
4. Raekwon McMillan, Ohio State, 6-3, 243
One of most versatile in the draft. Can play all three LB positions, but likely will play inside.
5. Tyus Bowser, Houston, 6-3, 240
Very productive in 2016 with 12 tackles for losses and 8 ½ sacks. He’s a strong pass rusher who can drop in pass coversge.
Late riser: Alex Anzalone, Florida: Because of a litany of injuries, he played in just 18 games in four years, but he played very well at the Senior Bowl.
Dropping fast: Kendell Beckwith, LSU: He is the prototype middle linebacker at 6-foot-3, 247 pounds with jarring tackling ability. But his speed is a concern and he suffered a torn ACL, which ended his senior season in November and should prevent him from being 100 percent before the draft.
Small-school wonder: Haason Reddick, Temple: He is an intriguing prospect, as a high school safety and running back and a walk-on at Temple because of injuries in high school. He ranked third in the nation in tackles for loss in 2016 with 22.5 and recording 10.5 sacks.
Top-5 cornerbacks
1. Marshon Lattimore, Ohio State, 6-0, 192
Physical specimen, ran 4.35 40 at the Combine with a 38.5-inch vertical jump and an 11-foot broad jump. Has great ball skills (four INTS, nine passes broken up in 2016). Has the skill set to be No. 1 cover corner.
2. Marlon Humphrey, Alabama, 6-0, 197
Well-developed and has potential to be quality starter quickly. In 2016, he had 33 tackles, two INTs and five pass breakups. Some scouts rate him as top CB coming out.
3. Tre’Davious White, LSU, 5-11, 191
A four-year starter who is strong cover corner and an explosive punt returner with three TDs.
4. Gareon Conley, Ohio State, 6-0, 195
Had 26 tackles with eight passes broken up and four INTs in 2016.
5. Adoree’ Jackson, USC, 5-10, 186
Had a huge 2016 season with 55 tackles, 11 passes broken up and five INTs. He also returned two kickoffs and two punts for TDs along with a TD reception on offense. An explosive talent.
Late riser: William Likely, Maryland: His size is a downfall — 5-foot-7, 180 pounds — but has terrific ball skills. Someone will take a chance on him.
Dropping fast: Sidney Jones, Washington: Was considered a lock as a first-round draft pick before he ruptured his left Achilles tendon during the Huskies’ pro day.
Top-5 safeties
1. Jamal Adams, LSU, 6-0, 214
Most versatile safety coming out, with coverage skills and aggressive tackling ability. A natural-born leader.
2. Malik Hooker, Ohio State, 6-1, 206
Great run-support safety who also had seven interceptions in 2016.
3. Jabrill Peppers, Michigan, 5-11, 213
Has played slot, outside corner, safety, linebacker, running back and returner effectively. Incredible athletes who should be a fit on any team.
4. Budda Baker, Washington, 5-10, 195
Looks great on tape, according to scouts, but size could be an issue in run support in the box.
5. Josh Jones, N.C. State, 6-1, 220
Great speed as evidenced by his 4.41 he ran in the 40 at the NFL Combine.
Late riser: Obi Melifonwu, Connecticut: Has great size and also is a fast defender. Was superb at the Senior Bowl, where he showed real coverage skills in the passing game and looked good being the deep free safety. Could go off the board late in the first round.
Dropping fast: Marcus Maye, Florida: After recording 50 tackles with one INT and six passes broken up in 2016, he suffered a broken left arm. Flashes in some games and gives up big plans in others.
Small-school wonder: Lorenzo Jerome, Saint Francis (Pa.): The last Saint Francis player to be drafted came in 1944. Jerome, who has 18 career INTs and averaged 27.2 yards per kickoff return with three TDs, is going to end that drought.
— additional reporting by Mark Cannizzaro