2015 NFL Draft: 5 2nd-Round Prospects New York Jets Should Target

There will be plenty of debate over the coming months over whom the New York Jets should take with their sixth overall pick, but what the Jets do beyond Round 1 will have a huge impact on the long-term success of their franchise.

Picking near the top of the second round, the Jets have a chance to get a first-round-caliber player—if they play their cards right.

At this stage of the draft, the Jets should at least be able to land an eventual starter who can contribute as a rookie in some way.

Here are five prospects the Jets should target in the second round.

Marcus Peters, CB, Washington

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With just one player at the position (Marcus Williams), not getting benched at some point during the 2014 season, it is no secret that the Jets are in desperate need of cornerback help—even if Dee Milliner returns to full health.

There are no cornerback prospects in this year's draft worthy of the sixth overall pick, but the Jets still might be able to land a starting-caliber player in Marcus Peters in the second round.

Based on talent alone, Peters is a first-round pick, but an abrupt dismissal from Washington may cause him to slip into the second round.

There is no question that Peters would be a risk, especially for a coaching staff and front office in its infancy stages, but the Jets' dire need at the position make him a worthwhile gamble.

Jaelen Strong, WR, Arizona State

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In most years, the sure-handed Jaelen Strong would be a near lock to wind up in the first round. However, yet another deep wide receiver class may push him further down the board—perhaps until the Jets select early in the second round.

Even if Percy Harvin is still on the roster at this time, the Jets should not hesitate to pull the trigger on another offensive weapon.

Unlike Harvin, Strong has the all-around skill set needed to line up on the perimeter on every down, giving new offensive coordinator Chan Gailey maximum flexibility.

If Strong is available in the second round, the only legitimate reason the Jets would have for not taking him is if they already added a top-flight receiver in the first round or free agency.

Denzel Perryman, ILB, Miami

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With David Harris hitting the free-agency market in a matter of weeks, the Jets may be faced with a massive hole in the middle of their defense at the inside linebacker position after enjoying so much stability there over the years.

Denzel Perryman has been the heart and soul of the Miami defense, excelling in the run-and-hit aspect of the position.

Few defenders are more vicious when attacking blockers than Perryman—making him a perfect candidate to replace Harris.

While not the ideal player to sit in coverage on down after down, he is one of the best all-around linebacker prospects in this class and can start immediately as a rookie. This would allow the Jets to transition seamlessly to a new era of linebackers.

Devin Funchess, WR/TE, Michigan

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One of the most intriguing offensive prospects in this year's class is Devin Funchess, whom just about every team has a spot for on their roster.

A hybrid tight end/wide receiver, he could fill multiple roles for the Jets, regardless of the position he eventually gravitates toward in the NFL.

Even after adding Jace Amaro in the second round of last year's draft, the Jets could still use an upgrade over sixth-year pro Jeff Cumberland, who, despite receiving a contract extension last offseason, has yet to produce over 400 yards in a season.

More than anything else, Funchess would be an ideal solution for the Jets' league-worst red-zone offense. His massive 6'5" frame is nearly impossible for most cornerbacks to cover, while he possesses too much for most linebackers to handle.

It will take some ingenuity from Gailey to get the most out of Funchess' unique skill set, but he could turn out to be a unique weapon who gives the Jets an edge every week.

Arie Kouandjio, G, Alabama

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The Jets may have whiffed on third-round guard Brian Winters in 2013, but the failures of a past regime should not sway them from taking another chance on an early-round guard in 2015—especially given their massive need at the position.

With Willie Colon set to hit free agency and neither Winters nor Oday Aboushi seizing a starting position on the other side, the Jets may find themselves in need of two new guards this offseason.

Arie Kouandjio is a dominant run-blocker, but he did have his share of struggles in pass protection against quicker defensive tackles. If he can clean up his protection, he could turn out to be a long-term starter at a position that has seen a lot of volatility in recent years.