With free agency now in the rearview, and the NFL draft less than three weeks away, the New York Jets are entering a pivotal stretch in their roster-building process.

The team addressed multiple needs in free agency (particularly on defense), but there are still obvious areas where reinforcements are needed.

Here are two underrated position groups the Jets should upgrade throughout the draft…

Cornerback

The Jets made just one outside move at cornerback in free agency, signing Pro Bowler Nahshon Wright to a one-year deal. While his on-ball production was stellar last season, logging five interceptions, his overall coverage play was among the league’s worst.

Behind him is Brandon Stephens, who got off to a rocky start in his first year as a Jet before closing the season on a high note.

Then, there is Azareye’h Thomas, who had an inspiring rookie season but should not stop the Jets from adding at the position.

Beyond Stephens, Wright, and Thomas, the depth is alarming. Qwan’tez Stiggers, Tre Brown, and Samuel Womack have yet to prove they are NFL-caliber defenders.

Inside, the outlook is even more concerning. Jarvis Brownlee Jr. is a strong run defender, but his physicality and handsiness consistently lead to penalties in coverage. His nine penalties led the Jets last season, while being the fifth most among all CBs.

After him, Jordan Clark, who was an undrafted rookie last year, struggled mightily when forced into action. Malachi Moore could also play in the slot, logging 200 snaps in the position, but he is much better served as a strong safety.

Arizona’s Treydan Stukes is one name to watch in the draft. At 6-foot-1 and 190 pounds, he projects as a hybrid slot defender at the next level.

In 2025, he posted a 90.1 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, which was the fifth highest among 908 qualified FBS corners, while showing strong instincts with four interceptions.

Sure, he does lack the high-end athletic traits needed to be a full-time boundary corner at the NFL level, but his versatility and ball skills make him an enticing player who can move all around the secondary.

Ranked 64th on Mock Draft Database’s consensus big board, the Jets would most likely need to allocate a second-round pick to select Stukes, unless the Jets make a trade to land a third-round pick.

Overall, Gang Green clearly needs to add competition at the position in the draft, if not a legitimate starter.

Linebacker

Linebacker is such an intriguing position on the Jets’ depth chart. On the free agent market, New York reunited with 37-year-old Demario Davis, an ageless wonder who continues to grade out as one of the league’s top linebackers.

After Davis, though, there are question marks … and not many answers.

Following a rough first year following his three-year, $45 million extension, the question now is whether Jamien Sherwood can return to the Pro Bowl level he reached in 2024.

There are just as many questions around him. Can Kiko Mauigoa, who flashed real upside as a Day 3 rookie, produce consistently in a larger role? Can Mykal Walker, who finished the season strong, handle an increased workload over a full year?

There is no doubt that it is a group with interesting pieces, but it is also far from a sure thing.

In the draft, keep an eye on Texas’ Anthony Hill Jr. At 6-foot-3 and 235 pounds, he brings excellent size along with an impressive athletic profile.

Most importantly, though, he fits cleanly with what Aaron Glenn wants to do on defense, as Jet X’s Dom Cutri identified. He is a tone-setter at the second level and can hold his own in coverage.

He is also a highly versatile player. The Texas product can operate inside or on the weak side, which is very valuable at the next level.