With the 2025 NFL draft less than three weeks away, Darren Mougey and Aaron Glenn are shaping their draft strategy.
While much of the focus among fans is on who the Jets will select with the No. 7 overall pick, Gang Green holds seven other draft selections this year, including the No. 42 pick near the top of the second round.
Here are three prospects the Jets should covet with the No. 42 overall pick.
Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
Emmanwori was a three-star recruit out of Irmo High School in North Carolina. He committed to South Carolina, where he spent all three of his college seasons.
Appearing in 37 total games for the Gamecocks, Emmanwori compiled 244 total tackles (four for loss) and six interceptions with 11 passes defended.
During the 2024 season, the Greensboro native appeared in 13 games, tailing 88 total tackles (three for loss), four interceptions (two returned for touchdowns), and two passes defended, setting a single-season career high in interceptions, total tackles, and pick-sixes.
He also posted a 79.6 overall grade and an 86.8 coverage grade, per Pro Football Focus, while being dominant against the run as a tackler, with a 73.3 run-defense grade and a 7.2% missed tackle rate (the NFL average for a defensive back is 10.7%).
The former three-star recruit displayed highly impressive measurables at the NFL combine in Indianapolis.
Measuring in at 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds, Emmanwori clocked a 4.38-second forty-yard dash with a 1.49-second 10-yard split. He also posted a 43-inch vertical and 138-inch broad jump, ranking first among all prospects who tested in Indy.
Overall, the 21-year-old tested with a perfect 10.0 RAS score (Relative Athletic Score), ranking first among over 1,000 safety tests since 1987.
Currently ranked 23rd overall on NFL Mock Draft Database’s consensus big board, there is a chance Emmanwori will be off the board when the Jets are on the clock with the No. 42 overall pick. However, if he is available, selecting the safety would be a strong move for Gang Green.
Despite tendering Tony Adams and signing Andre Cisco in free agency, the Jets still need help at safety, specifically strong safety. Emmanwori is a reliable option and has the versatility to play in the box.
Tyleik Williams, IDL, Ohio State
Williams was a four-star recruit, hailing from Unity Reed High School in Manassas, Virginia. He committed to Ohio State and spent all four of his college seasons as a Buckeye.
Appearing in 51 games across his four-season collegiate career, Williams totaled 136 tackles (28 for loss), with 11.5 sacks and 10 passes defended.
During the 2024 season, he played in 13 games, recording 46 total tackles (eight for loss), with 2.5 sacks, one pass defense, and a stout 88.6 run defense grade per PFF.
Despite signing three defensive tackles in free agency, the Jets still need a consistent interior presence alongside Quinnen Williams, and the Ohio State product could fill that role.
At 6-foot-3 and 334 pounds, Williams is powerful, explosive, and versatile, capable of playing both nose tackle and 3-technique.
Ranked No. 44 overall on the consensus big board, Williams will likely be available when Darren Mougey makes the Jets’ second-round selection and would be an excellent pick to help solidify the middle of the defensive line.
Jayden Higgins, WR, Iowa State
Coming out of Westminster Christian High School in Palmetto Bay, Florida, Higgins was a two-star recruit. He initially committed to Eastern Kentucky, where he spent his first two collegiate seasons before transferring to Iowa State for his final two years.
At Eastern Kentucky, Higgins totaled 1,151 yards and 13 touchdowns on 87 receptions over two seasons.
After transferring ahead of the 2023 season, Higgins played in 13 games for Iowa State, recording 53 receptions for 983 yards and six touchdowns. He took another step forward in 2024, catching 87 passes for 1,183 yards and nine touchdowns over 13 games.
As the draft approaches, wide receiver remains a significant need for the Jets, and Higgins could be a strong fit. At 6-foot-4 and 214 pounds, he is a smooth mover for his size (9.87 RAS) who runs a well-rounded route tree and offers the versatility to line up across the formation.
Higgins is known for his contested catch ability, securing 14 contested catches at a 58.3% rate during the 2024 season.
Ranked No. 55 on the consensus big board, Higgins has a good chance to be available when the Jets pick at No. 42. His size and skill set make him a plug-and-play option who could provide a big-bodied complement to Garrett Wilson.
