Who should NY Jets take on Day 2 of NFL Draft 2024? Here are players to watch

EAST RUTHERFORD -- The Jets bolstered their offensive line with the selection of Penn State offensive tackle Olumuyiwa Fashanu with the No. 11 overall pick in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

While it was easy to consider another offensive weapon that was available -- most notably Georgia tight end Brock Bowers -- Jets general manager Joe Douglas decided to add reinforcements to protecting four-time NFL MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers instead with both their new starting tackles -- Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses -- having injury concerns from the past and on one-year deals each at 33 years old.

Gang Green will now likely target a multitude of different positions of need on both sides of the ball: a wide receiver along side Garrett Wilson and free agent signing Mike Williams; competition outside of former No. 4 overall pick Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner in the secondary; and depth at the running back position behind the dual threat of Breece Hall.

More:When do Jets pick in 2024 NFL Draft today? Rounds 2 and 3, TV channel, time, streaming info

Here's a look at the best available prospects that should intrigue the Jets on Day 2 (Rounds 2 & 3) of the 2024 NFL Draft:

NFL Draft best available players Rounds 2-3

While the Jets did add a fourth and fifth rounder in this year's draft after moving back one spot from No. 10 to No. 11 overall in a trade with the Vikings, they go into Day 2 without a second-round pick after sending it to the Packers last offseason in the Rodgers' trade.

They currently only have one pick tonight, which is in the third round at No. 72 overall.

T'Vondre Sweat, DT, Texas

Would not be an option here if not for recent off-the-field issues. Recorded 81 tackles, 5 sacks, 17.5 TFL in 62 career games for the Longhorns.

Max Melton, CB, Rutgers

Might be a stretch he makes it this far into Day 2 but would be a nice addition to a corner group that already showcases Gardner and D.J. Reed. The South Jersey native put up 114 tackles, eight interceptions, four blocked punts and four fumble recoveries while playing for the Scarlet Knights.

Jalen McMillan, WR, Washington

Had McMillan in my last mock draft landing with the Jets here. The 22-year-old dealt with injuries throughout last season -- Grade 2 MCL sprain that kept him out two months -- but was a force in the limited action he saw in 2023.

Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon

Franklin was a beast for the Ducks in his final season in the Pacific Northwest, setting program records in a single season for receiving yards, touchdowns and 100+ yard performances.

Blake Corum, RB, Michigan

Corum was a touchdown machine for the National champion Wolverines, finding the endzone 28 times in 2023 and scored 61 TDs in four years at Michigan. Could give the Jets dynamic one-two punch out of the backfield.

Cooper Beebe, OG, Kansas State

Four year starter for the Wildcats who has the versatility to play both inside and out at either tackle or guard.

Jonah Elliss, EDGE, Utah

Son of former defensive tackle Luther Elliss, Jonah had a productive career for the Utes. He notched 12 sacks last season and would give the Jets a solid piece alongside Quinnen Williams on the defensive line.

Mekhi Wingo, DT, LSU

Wingo put on a show at the NFL's scouting combine -- running the fastest 10-yard split of all DT's and a 4.85 40-yard dash, second quickest of his position group.

Brendan Rice, WR, USC

Son of Pro Football Hall-of-Famer WR Jerry Rice, Brendan had a solid senior season for the Trojans. The 6-foot-3 receiver had a career best 12 touchdowns and finished third in the PAC-12 in yards per catch (17.6 YPC) in 2023.

Cade Stover, TE, Ohio State

Overshadowed by some of the best wide receivers currently both at the professional and college level, Stover was a reliable option for the Buckeyes. He combined for 77 catches and nearly 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns during his two seasons as a starter.

New York Jets NFL Draft needs

The Jets elected to not take an offensive playmaker in the first round after drafting Fashanu at No. 11 overall. That could be a considered a must need for Gang Green on Day 2, who are a wide receiver injury or two away from having a depleted core for Rodgers.

Outside of an offensive weapon, the Jets will likely look to get a little younger (Chuck Clark: 29 years old and Tony Adams: 25 years old) at the safety position as well. Even though the team acquired Haason Reddick -- who has compiled 50.5 sacks over the last four seasons -- in a deal that sent Bryce Huff to the Eagles, don't be surprised if Douglas and the front office continue to add a presence on the defensive line here, whether inside at DT or outside with an edge rusher.