It’s anyone’s guess as to what the New York Jets will do in the 2025 NFL draft. The team will have a new general manager, head coach, and a litany of positions that need to be filled.
The main discussion topic will be how the Jets address the quarterback position. However, it is just as important for the Jets to properly surround the quarterback position with talent.
NY Jets offensive draft targets for 2025
There’s a strong likelihood that the Jets will decide to select a quarterback in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft. Meanwhile, the running back position is unlikely to be a top priority. That leaves the positions along the line of scrimmage – offensive linemen, tight ends, and wide receivers – as the Jets’ primary offensive targets throughout the rest of the draft.
These are a few of the most intriguing under-the-radar offensive prospects New York should closely monitor throughout the coming months.
Offensive linemen
Chase Lundt, OT – UConn
The Jets offensive line has been inconsistent for far too long. Short-term rentals can help temporarily, but the Jets will need depth to survive the trials and tribulations of the NFL season. While Chase Lundt is currently projected to be a sixth-round draft pick, that likely won’t be the case come April – and for good reason.
Lundt is an offensive tackle who was a four-year starter at UConn. At 6-foot-8, Lundt is a monstrous human, and also incredibly athletic for his size. The Huskies’ offensive tackle is one of the better run-blocking tackles in college football. His 80.1 run-blocking grade at Pro Football Focus ranks 13th among all tackles in FBS this season (min. 100 snaps).
Despite UConn’s propensity to move the pocket, Lundt has only allowed two sacks in his entire FBS career. His 80.1 pass-blocking grade is tied for 49th among all tackles (min. 100 reps).
Getting Lundt acclimated to an NFL-style offense may take time. However, the offensive tackle has the size, speed, and strength to put together a solid NFL career. Fans will have a better chance to see Lundt at the Reese’s Senior Bowl.
Valentin Senn, OT – UConn
Ironically, another great prospect for the Jets to target in the 2025 NFL draft is Lundt’s teammate, Valentin Senn.
Senn is a prospect who comes from Austria, who transferred from Colorado to UConn in 2021 before becoming the full-time starter at left tackle in 2022. While statistically, Senn is slightly less efficient than Lundt, he arguably plays a more important position at left tackle. And, like Lundt, Senn has only allowed two sacks in his FBS career.
Senn likely projects are more of a project tackle, and considering he is not listed with a draft projection at this time, that likely remains the case. However, finding these diamond-in-the-rough types of players can allow the Jets to spend important draft capital elsewhere.
It’s not like Senn is a slouch, either. The UConn tackle is still an above-average OT prospects from an analytical standpoint. And considering how weak the offensive line class is for the 2025 draft, taking underrated players with high ceilings is how smart general managers rebuild without spending massive capital.
Federico Maranges, C – Florida Atlantic
There may not be a more underrated offensive lineman in this year’s draft than Florida Atlantic’s Federico Maranges. Behind an underperforming FAU offense, Maranges has been one of the lone bright spots.
The 6-foot-4, 300-pound center ranks 26th among 158 qualifying centers in pass-blocking with an 82.4 grade (min. 100 snaps). In true pass sets, his 78.2 grade was tied for 25th among centers.
As a run-blocker, Maranges also performs well. His 72.2 grade is 20th among 152 qualifying centers (min. 100 snaps). The center’s experience in a zone scheme and ability to perform in gap schemes as well adds unique versatility to the position.
There have been some injury concerns in his career, which may be why the Owls center is soaring under the radar. However, Maranges displays the intelligence, leadership, and toughness that makes him a unique player – and one the Jets could utilize.
The FAU center was named a captain on the team this season. He was also added to the Rimington watchlist, which highlights the most outstanding center in the NCAA. Whether Maranges is able to show off his skillset in the college all-star bowl games remains to be seen. However, the Owls’ center could provide a cheap option for the Jets with a high ceiling.
Tight ends
If the Jets decide to let Tyler Conklin leave, there will be a massive hole at the position for New York. While Jeremy Ruckert is a nice depth option, he lacks true playmaking ability at the position. Fortunately for the Jets, there are a number of intriguing tight end prospects in this year’s draft.
Oronde Gadsden II – Syracuse
Colston Loveland and Tyler Warren may be getting all the attention this year, but Oronde Gadsden II is flying under the radar as one of the most talented pass-catching tight ends in college football.
Gadsden is primarily a “big slot”, being utilized in the position at a 58.4% rate, tied for third among all tight ends (min. 50 snaps). The Syracuse tight end is among the top 10 in both receiving grade and offensive grade, and his 62.8 pass-blocking grade actually ranks 14th among qualifying players. However, you’re not drafting Gadsden to ask him to stay in line and block. You’re asking him to make plays that other tight ends can’t make.
Currently, the Orange tight end is projected to be a sixth-round draft pick, which, given his performance this season, is quite absurd. Gadsden has flirted with 1,000 receiving yards twice in his collegiate career. The tight end has proven to be a reliable safety valve, which should be wonderful for whoever is under center for the Jets in the future.
Gavin Bartholomew – Pitt
By all accounts, Pitt Panthers tight end Gavin Bartholomew has not had the type of season he was expected to have entering the year. However, Bartholomew has proven to be a player who isn’t afraid to be utilized as a Swiss army knife for his team.
While his aDOT, yards after catch, and yards per route run have taken hits this season, that speaks more to his usage with the team than a drop in talent. His 24.7% “wideout” usage ranked third among all tight ends this season. Meanwhile, his in-line usage of 50.4% ranked fourth. Bartholomew has been primarily used as a screen and dink-and-dunk option for Pitt this season, as his 0.79 yards per route run (last among tight ends) suggests.
Despite the underwhelming production, the Pitt tight end has shown a high football IQ for the position. He understands his usage within the system, and in the passing game, he knows exactly where to sit in zone coverage. That’s a trait that’s hard to teach to young players – especially at the tight end position.
While Bartholomew would be more of a project than Gadsden, he could project to be a solid tight end in the NFL. Currently, he’s projected to be an undrafted free agent. However, he was invited to the Senior Bowl, where his draft capital will likely increase. With that said, he should go late enough in the draft for the Jets to take a shot on him.
Wide receivers
With questions surrounding the futures of Davante Adams and Allen Lazard, the Jets need an influx of talented youth at the wide receiver position. Paying for over-the-hill veterans isn’t sustainable for a successful team, especially one going through a rebuild. However, there are a plethora of talented young players the Jets can target in the upcoming draft.
Tai Felton – Maryland
Terrapins wide receiver Tai Felton has been a target hog for the team this season. There hasn’t been too much success within the Maryland offense this year, but Felton has been one of the few bright spots on the team.
The 6-foot-2 receiver has the perfect body type for a versatile wide receiver, and Felton has shown the ability to win both inside and out. When Felton plays inside, he makes defenders look silly. He gains leverage on his stem, utilizing his speed and IQ to take advantage of defensive backs.
On top of his prowess as a route runner, he also shows an ability for contested catch opportunities against aggressive defenses. Here he “Mosses” a Rutgers defender, leading to a Terps touchdown.
On the season, Felton has 1,119 receiving yards with nine touchdowns, pacing the Terps receiving group. And once he has the ball in his hands, he’s a menace. Felton’s 25 missed tackles forced is tied for fourth among all wide receivers (min. 50 targets). Impressively, Felton and Tetairoa McMillan are the only two outside receivers in the top 10 in that category.
Currently, Felton is projected to be a fourth-round draft pick. However, a Senior Bowl show-out could increase his stop exponentially. Hopefully for the Jets, he continues to fly under the radar, as his frame and potential would make for an excellent pairing with Garrett Wilson.
Jalen Royals – Utah State
Another player worth targeting for the Jets is Utah State receiver Jalen Royals. The 6-foot, 205-pound receiver blew up last year when he posted 1,084 yards and 15 touchdowns in 13 games. This season, Royals has arguably played better despite appearing in fewer games, recording 839 yards and six touchdowns in seven contests.
Like the aforementioned Felton, Royals has the ability to play both inside and outside. Royals understand how to leverage on his route stems. On top of that, he shows an incredible ability to adjust mid-route, something that’s extremely difficult to do. The receiver also can handle press coverage with ease, being quick to attack opposing defensive backs.
Royals’ 3.00 Y/RR is one of the best among players who aren’t solely used as deep threats, being one of just four other receivers who hit a 3.00 Y/RR threshold with an aDOT of less than 10.0 yards.
A the moment, Royals is expected to go on Day 2 of the 2025 NFL draft. However, a solid performance at the Senior Bowl could see him surge into an early second-round prospect. Regardless, Royals is a player with high-end upside who is worth the capital at the right price.
LaJohntay Wester – Colorado
While Miami’s Xavier Restrepo would be a good choice here, his draft stock has started to skyrocket for his incredible play. Instead, I wanted to take a look at another slot player who is flying under the radar in draft circles. That’s LaJohntay Wester out of Colorado.
Last year with Florida Atlantic, Wester was one of the best wide receivers in the nation. He was a target hog, with 152 opportunities, securing 107 of those for 1,164 yards and eight touchdowns. This season, he transferred to Colorado to play with his brother for his final year of college football. And despite being in a more competitive receiving room, Wester was more efficient with the Buffaloes.
Primarily playing out of the slot, Wester caught 70 of 88 targets for 880 yards and 10 touchdowns. The former FAU product proved to be a YAC machine, averaging 7.5 per reception (19th in FBS among WRs) from his total of 527 YAC (fifth overall). Wester has been a dynamic player for Colorado this season and has a skillset that can translate to the NFL.
However, on top of his prowess as a wide receiver, Wester has proven to be a threat as a punt returner as well. Adding a player with punt-returning skills like Wester to the Jets roster would allow them to replace Xavier Gipson, who has fallen short of expectations for New York.
Currently, the Buffaloes receiver is projected to be an undrafted free agent – which is quite surprising considering his work at FAU and with Colorado. While his stock will rise as the draft nears, using Day 3 capital on a potential game-changing player is well worth the risk for a Jets offense that’s begging to add more young, talented playmakers.
