Yahoo Sports Jets 2023 NFL Mock Draft Roundup: OT Broderick Jones becoming popular option at pick No. 13
The Jets may have missed the playoffs this past season, but the team showed growth on both sides of the ball and their top two draft picks last season earned Rookie of the Years honors.
It's no secret that GM Joe Douglas and head coach Robert Saleh still have to figure out who will be under center for Gang Green in 2023, as Aaron Rodgers and Derek Carr have been rumored as options.
New York owns the No. 13 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft and could use that as part of a trade package or simply use it to improve the team.
Here’s who some of the experts have the Jets selecting in their latest mock drafts...
Michael Renner, Pro Football Focus
OT Broderick Jones (Georgia)
While it seems like the Jets want to part ways with this pick to secure a quarterback, if they can’t do that, then providing better protection for whoever is behind center is paramount. Jones is an ascending tackle with grown-man play strength already at only 21 years old. He allowed only nine pressures this past season in his first full year as a starter.
OT/G Paris Johnson (Ohio State)
Mekhi Becton has been a huge disappointment, so the Jets may use this pick to find a new offensive tackle. Paris Johnson has good athleticism for an offensive lineman, and he can play both tackle and guard.
Kevin Hanson, Sports Illustrated
OT Broderick Jones (Georgia)
George Fant will be a free agent, Duane Brown will be 38 years old in August and it’s unclear what the Jets will get from Mekhi Becton, who has played only 48 snaps (Week 1, 2021) over the past two seasons combined. Jones is relatively inexperienced, as only a season-plus starter, but he has the length, athleticism and potential to provide long-term stability at left tackle as he continues to grow into his frame and refine his technique.
S Brian Branch (Alabama)
For the sake of switching things up, let's assume the Jets figure out their offensive line issues to the point where they don't choose to invest in one in the first round. In that case, Brian Branch would be a welcomed addition to the Big Apple. All-Pro rookie Sauce Gardner made the Jets secondary look great a year ago, but safeties Lamarcus Joyner and Jordan Whitehead were both suspect. Branch can play anywhere, come up and stuff the run, and make sure Robert Saleh's defense continues to play at a high level.
QB Anthony Richardson (Florida)
Jets GM Joe Douglas traded Sam Darnold after watching him for two seasons, and it wouldn't surprise me if he does the same with Zach Wilson, if the fit doesn't improve. (Though it's worth noting that Wilson was Douglas' pick, while Darnold was not.)
Richardson's throws don't always hit their targets, but his quick feet allow him to step up and out of the pocket, and he fits balls into tight spaces with easy velocity. His combination of agility and power as a runner is also intriguing. Don't be surprised if he's the best playmaker out of this QB crop four years down the road.
OT Broderick Jones (Georgia)
Jones is still learning the position, but he's an athletic freak. He also plays angry, which is something I love in an offensive lineman. I don't know that you'll want him starting at LT from Day 1, but he could have the highest upside of any tackle prospect in the class.
