10 Names to watch

S Marcus Williams

The Jets wouldn’t overpay for Jamal Adams or Marcus Maye, so why would they do it for this 25-year-old safety? Because he’s a game-changer (15 interceptions in five years) and durable (only five missed games). Also, they might not “overpay.” They’re interested, a source said, but might bow out if the market gets crazy.

S Tyrann Mathieu

The “Honey Badger” is about to turn 30, but he’s still a difference-making safety. He’s also what one scout described as a “culture guy” who can help groom the Jets’ young defensive backs. Whether he’ll want to do that, or to go find a contender to play for, is up to him. He’s going to cost about $16 million per year, but the Jets might be willing to pay it.

CB Carlton Davis

The Jets have expressed some interest in J.C. Jackson, according to a source, but no one is convinced Douglas will pay the $18-19 million per year he might get. The market for Davis might be more reasonable, though it still could be in the $15 million annual range since he’s big (6-1, 206), young (25) and the true, No. 1 corner the Jets so desperately need.

CB D.J. Reed

If the top of the market gets too crazy, Reed could be a reasonable fallback. Saleh would have to get over his 5-9 height, though scouts say he plays bigger and is incredibly tough. He’d be the Jets’ top corner, even if he’s not a typical No. 1, and he’d cost half of what the top guys get.

G Laken Tomlinson

At the Combine, opinions were split on whether the Jets were more likely to bid heavily on a defensive back or a guard. Given how Douglas loves offensive linemen, and the need for a right guard, don’t bet against a guard. Tomlinson should be available in the $12 million per year range. The Jets’ staff knows him well from their days in San Francisco, where he’s been their starting left guard for five years and only missed one game.

C/G Ryan Jensen

The Jets like center Connor McGovern, but he could move to guard if the Jets bring in a new center. The 6-4, 319 pound Jensen could play guard too. Oh, and he was drafted by the Ravens (sixth round, 2013) when Douglas was still a scout in Baltimore.

TE O.J. Howard

With the tight end market thinned out, the Jets could make a run at Zach Ertz or Evan Engram, but the prices there might be too crazy. He’s underperformed for a former first-round pick, but the 6-6, 251-pounder was also underused in Tampa. He can still run and could be a weapon on a one-year, prove-it deal.

TE Maxx Williams

He’s one of the best blocking tight ends in the NFL and some think he’s an underrated receiver who was just beginning to flash that talent before tearing his ACL last October. Another one who is destined for a one-year, prove-it deal if the Jets don’t dive into the top of the market.

DT D.J. Jones

A starting defensive tackle from Saleh’s days in San Francisco, he’d be an ideal, cost-efficient replacement for Fatukasi. He’s Fatukasi’s equal as a run-stuffer and he’d make a strong addition to a rotation with Sheldon Rankins and Quinnen Williams.

WR Allen Robinson

It doesn’t seem likely that the Jets will pay top dollar for a receiver, but they do need weapons for Wilson, Robinson dropped a lot of hints on social media last offseason about how he likes Saleh and the Jets, and Saleh was a coach in Jacksonville when the Jaguars drafted Robinson in 2014. The Jets sure could use a 6-2, 220 pound receiver like him. And who knows? Maybe his price drops after a disappointing year.

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