We reach another huge benchmark in the NFL draft process this week as the 2025 Scouting Combine kicks off in Indianapolis. For the next few days, 300 of the nation’s top prospects will look to run, jump and talk their way up teams’ big boards.
With eight draft picks total and needs up and down the roster, the New York Jets will have their work cut out for them in Indy as they begin to hone in on their favorite guys, not only at the very top of the class, but across the ensuing six rounds as well.
Without further ado, here are some of the names Aaron Glenn, Darren Mougey and co. figure to have their eyes on this week as they work to narrow down their big board.
First Rounders
Given the lack of true blue-chip names in this year’s draft class, picking in the top 10 becomes all the more valuable. Whether the Jets opt to stay put at No. 7 or swing a trade, it’s especially imperative that they hit on their first pick of the new era – we saw the butterfly effect of Joe Douglas’ decision to kick off his tenure with Mekhi Becton.
Mason Graham, DL, Michigan
One of the best players in the entire class, the idea of landing Mason Graham at seven may feel like wishful thinking at this point. After all, his college film alone puts him in the same air as guys like Quinnen Williams and Jalen Carter as prospects.
But the thing is, as great as he is on tape, if there’s one thing Graham doesn’t have, it’s high-end measurables to compliment his dominant production. With his arm length almost sure to come in well below the 50th percentile mark, and his overall frame being a bit underwhelming when standing next to others in this class, there does exist a world where his stock tumbles coming out of Indy – maybe even enough for the Jets to be able to grab him.
In a perfect world for Gang Green, Graham measures in this week with short arms and a slow 40 time, pushing him down the board.
Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
Coming into this college football season, Will Johnson was viewed by most as a lock to be selected in the top 10 come April. The size, length, instincts, stickiness and defensive playmaking this guy brings at 6-foot-2, 202 pounds are big reasons why he’s drawn lofty comparisons to Patrick Surtain II.
While Johnson did see his draft stock dip a bit this season thanks to some nagging injuries and questions surrounding his long speed, his upside across from Sauce Gardner would make it very tough to pass on him at No. 7. His 40 time will go a long way in determining how high he goes.
Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah, who’s mocked Tyler Warren to the Jets at No. 7 on multiple occasions now, likes to describe him as “a moving billboard running up the seam.”
At 6-foot-6, 261 pounds with a huge catch radius, that isn’t too far off. A big-bodied athletic freak with outstanding versatility to catch, block, run and even throw, it’d be hard to criticize the Jets for planting their flag on this guy at No. 7, especially with so much uncertainty surrounding their pass catchers right now. Expect Warren to put up big time numbers in Indy this week.
Will Campbell, OL, LSU
Will Campbell has the height, mass, athleticism and technique that teams look for in top offensive line prospects. If he only had longer arms, he’d be one of the better tackle prospects you’ll ever find. As smart as they come on the offensive line, it’s abundantly clear when you hear this guy speak, his weekly preparation and pride in the position he plays are legit blue-chip qualities you simply don’t find in most prospects.
Campbell’s arm length should be a huge point of interest in Indy. If they come in above the 33-inch threshold many NFL teams use, he’s almost sure to get his shot at tackle. With the Jets’ future on the right side still murky, Campbell would be an awesome fit, and offers five-position versatility on the O-line.
Jalon Walker, OLB, Georgia
A versatile, athletic and powerful defender, Jalon Walker lined up both on and off the ball for Georgia, but it’s his pass rush ability that figures to get him drafted in the top 15.
With the speed, power and explosiveness to wreak havoc off the edge, Walker should be a big-time performer when he tests in Indianapolis. Georgia coaches rave about his character and leadership, so package that with awesome physical gifts and you’ve got yourself a blue-chip draft prospect.
Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
With both Davante Adams and Allen Lazard likely off the roster soon, the Jets are about to be razor-thin at the receiver position. The consensus best wideout in the draft, Tetairoa McMillan, would be the perfect compliment to Garrett Wilson.
At 6-foot-5, McMillan naturally has a gargantuan catch radius and easy ball skills, but it’s his body control and movement skills at that size that make him such a phenomenal prospect. The combine will be an awesome opportunity for him to showcase that further. A receiving tandem of Wilson and McMillan would be a dream scenario for whoever winds up under center for the Jets next season.
Armand Membou, OL, Missouri
Armand Membou is a name to keep a close eye on for the Jets as a right tackle prospect. Only 21 on draft night, this guy has the strength, smarts, athleticism, balance and coordination to step in and contribute from day one.
While his wide body type at first glance appears to be more conducive to the interior, Membou’s arm length measured in at over 34 inches at the Senior Bowl, inspiring a ton of confidence in his NFL projection to the outside. Remember, Detroit’s first draft pick with Glenn on the staff was used on right tackle Penei Sewell at No. 7 overall. I’d say that’s worked out well.
Kelvin Banks Jr., OL, Texas
Another guy whose arm length will be a huge point of interest at the combine, Kelvin Banks is arguably the best pass protector in the class. Whether he winds up playing tackle or guard in the NFL will depend largely on his length, but judging purely from the tape, he’s more-than-capable of holding his own on the outside.
With impressive upper body strength, athleticism and movement skills at his size, expect Banks to be a big riser coming out of Indy, assuming his arms check out.
Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia
Standing 6-foot-5, 265 pounds and boasting absolute vines for arms, Mykel Williams out of Georgia has the body of an NFL superstar – just without the production to show for it yet.
But with the length and power that NFL teams drool over, and an already-safe floor as a run defender, Williams is a borderline lock for the first round. Even so, expect him to be another huge riser coming out of Indy as he’s given the chance to fully showcase his absurd physical traits.
Day 2 Guys
Jayden Higgins, WR, Iowa State
At 6-foot-3, 217 pounds, it’s almost weird to watch how smooth of a mover Higgins is. His releases off the line are things of beauty, and he gets open with super refined footwork and savvy route running. He should be a joy to watch go through drills.
Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame
Tape-wise, Morrison is one of the best cornerbacks in the entire draft class. He’s smart, long, physical and sticky, and he has high-level performances across his college career against legitimate superstars like Marvin Harrison Jr.
The issue with Morrison is that he suffered a pretty bad hip injury at the beginning of the 2024 season, requiring surgery and forcing him to miss the rest of the year. The combine will be absolutely critical for him, as how teams feel about his hip will go a long way in determining how high he goes.
Wyatt Milum, OL, West Virginia
Milum has consistent rock-solid tape across four years of college football, and experience at both right and left tackle. This is another guy whose measurements will be important to watch at the combine, as he could ultimately be best suited on the interior. If the Jets deem him worthy of a shot at tackle, he’d be a great choice to develop across from Olu Fashanu.
Darien Porter, CB, Iowa State
Porter is a unique prospect in that his 2024 tape and production are outstanding, but he’s a sixth-year senior and still very new to the position. Listed as a receiver for his first three years at Iowa State, Porter finally managed to break out this year as a full-time cornerback, locking guys down left and right and snagging three interceptions. His effort is unmatched, and he has all the physical tools to continue to grow at the position.
Tyleik Williams, DL, Ohio State
Still in search of a consistent interior presence alongside Quinnen Williams, the Jets should be all over Tyleik Williams. Powerful and explosive with a high motor, this is a plug-and-play two-gapping wall in the middle of a defensive line. While he doesn’t offer the same pass rush upside as some other names in the class, his dominant ability as a run stuffer forces opposing offenses to adjust their gameplan. That’s super valuable.
Jamaree Caldwell, DL, Oregon
If the Jets were to miss out on Tyleik Williams, Jamaree Caldwell would be an excellent consolation prize. Like Williams, Caldwell is a massive, space-eating presence in the middle of a D-line with a nice floor as a run stuffer. The Jets would be smart to watch him closely at the combine, as he does appear to have some sneaky pass rush upside too, recording 6.5 sacks a year ago when he was still at Houston.
Xavier Watts, S, Notre Dame
The Jets could use some help at safety, so why not look into a guy known for his ability to take away the football? Snagging 13 interceptions over the past two seasons, Watts is a true ball hawk on the back end, and he greatly improved his tackling ability in 2024. Considering how much the Jets have struggled to force turnovers in recent years, he would make a ton of sense as a second round target.
Aireontae Ersery, OL, Minnesota
Unlike many other O-linemen in this class, Ersery is a true tackle prospect with the length, athleticism and foot speed to survive on an island in the NFL. While his tape this year isn’t without its hiccups, this is the classic toolsy prospect to fly up draft boards at the combine, as he’s likely to test off the charts. If that’s the case, he probably won’t be in the Jets’ range, but if he slips into the second round, game on.
Isaiah Bond, WR, Texas
Another guy whose stock should soar coming out of Indy, Bond has a chance to run the fastest 40 in the class. While the fact that he’s still learning some of the more technical aspects of the receiver position will likely keep him out of the first round, his pure speed and ability to glide over the top of a defense will certainly endear him to teams. This is another wideout who would compliment Garrett Wilson’s skillset well, just in different ways from a guy like McMillan.
JT Tuimoloau, DE, Ohio State
While he doesn’t offer the same ceiling as some other edge defenders in this loaded class, what Tuimoloau brings to the table as a powerful, technically-refined, edge-setting force should make him a longtime fixture on someone’s defensive line. Seeing as the Jets have been stockpiling a nice little stable of different styles of edge rushers, adding a high-floored guy of Tuimoloau’s archetype would round out the group nicely.
