5 Prospects the New York Jets Should Target in 2015 NFL Draft

There is really only one way to turn around a franchise in today's NFL—through the draft. 

Smart draft decisions made the Seattle Seahawks the team they are today. It was the reason the Dallas Cowboys were able to finally get over the hump this season and for the New England Patriots' dominance in the last decade-and-a-half. 

The Jets have really struggled finding capable players in the draft in recent years, which has led to their emphatic downfall. 

New York must have a solid showing this offseason in order to move back into contention, even if it has limited picks to do so. 

Click through to see five prospects who the Jets should target in 2015. 

Jalen Collins, LSU

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The Jets' cornerback situation was an absolute mess in 2014. 

New York was unable to bring in any capable corners in free agency and former first-round pick Dee Milliner went down early in the season with a torn Achilles, leaving the team with a makeshift group of unproven commodities. 

The end result of the cornerback struggles was a below-average defense, despite the superiority of the front seven. 

Gang Green has to address the position in the early rounds of the draft, and former LSU star Jalen Collins should be one of its top options. 

Collins was one of the best cover men in the SEC in recent years. He possesses tremendous size and fluidity, and he can contribute both on the outside and in the nickel role. 

Collins isn't the sexiest player in the draft, but he would give the secondary a hard-nosed playmaker at the cost of just a second or third-round pick. 

Amari Cooper, Alabama

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Amari Cooper is undoubtedly the best skill position player available in this year's draft. 

Despite instability at the quarterback position at Alabama this year, Cooper put up one of the best wide receiver seasons in SEC history. 

He caught an incredible 124 passes for 1,727 yards and 16 scores. Cooper was simply unstoppable, especially late in the season when the Crimson Tide needed him the most. 

The Florida native may not have the same physical tools as A.J. Green and Julio Jones, but he still certainly warrants a high first-round selection. 

It is hard to find flaws with Cooper's game, as he can line up anywhere and get open in any coverage. 

Cooper would immediately improve New York's passing game. He would give the team a dangerous vertical option, as well as a tough route-runner. 

Jets' fans should be hoping that Cooper falls to the Jets at the sixth overall pick. 

Jamil Douglas, Guard/Tackle

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The Jets need to get younger and better on the offensive line, and it starts with the interior. 

Willie Colon is a free agent and will almost certainly not be coming back to Gotham, as he struggled with pass protection and penalties last season. 

The right guard spot, manned by a combination of Brian Winters and Oday Aboushi in 2014, is equally as questionable. 

New York should look to upgrade the guard position through the draft. 

The Browns, Cowboys and Lions have struck gold by addressing the guard spot in the first few rounds of the draft in recent years, and the Jets should do the same. 

Jamil Douglas of Arizona State has all the tools to be a Pro Bowl-caliber player at the next level. 

Douglas has great size, balance and quickness off the snap. He could improve in the running game, but he is phenomenal in pass protection. 

While Douglas' past off-field issues should raise some concerns, his physical potential is too much to overlook. 

Gerod Holliman, Safety

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Cornerback wasn't the only issue on the back end of the defense in 2014. 

Calvin Pryor failed to live up to his first-round hype in his rookie season, as he struggled in coverage and missed a boatload of open-field tackles. 

Dawan Landry, meanwhile, continued to show his age. He was a shell of his former self, and he probably won't be brought back this offseason. 

The Jets should look for a young safety that excels in pass coverage in the draft. And who would be better than Pryor's former running mate, Gerod Holliman. 

Holliman doesn't have the same physical presence as Pryor, but he is much better in the passing game. Holliman is great at reading routes and reacting quickly, and he has a knack for making a big play. 

While the Louisville product can struggle with tackling sometimes, his strong coverage abilities would allow for Pryor to play to his strengths and play more inside the box. 

There are some concerns to go with Holliman, but he and his FBS-leading 14 interceptions would be a perfect fit in New York's talent-starved secondary. 

Brandon Bridge, Quarterback

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There are very few franchise quarterbacks in this year's draft, meaning Geno Smith should be the favorite to start Week 1 of next season. 

However, there are a couple of interesting projects who could be available on Day 2 or 3. 

None of those so-called projects is more interesting than Brandon Bridge out of South Alabama. 

Bridge is a raw player that still has to improve his vision and overall mechanics, but his physical potential is off the charts.

The Canadian native has terrific size, tremendous mobility and a cannon for an arm. He is phenomenal at extending plays and getting something out of nothing. 

Bridge is far from a refined quarterback, and the Jets will have to very patient with him.

Nonetheless, he has the tools to be one of the steals of the draft when it is all said and done, especially if he is brought along at the right pace.