Yahoo Sports Jets 2023 NFL Mock Draft Roundup: Offensive line remains popular pick among experts
Draft fever is officially in the air with the 2023 NFL Combine taking place over the past few days at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Hundreds of players arrived in Indianapolis earlier this week as NFL scouts evaluate them in all facets of the game. The hope is for teams to get a better look at some of the prospects they’re interested in drafting.
The Jets certainly are keeping their eyes peeled for some of the top talent, as they select 13th overall in this year's draft.
Gang Green has been connected to numerous players over the past few days. Here’s who some of the experts have them selecting in their latest mock drafts.
OT Broderick Jones (Georgia)
Offensive tackle has long been a target for the Jets in the first rounds of mock, and that likely won’t change between now and draft day. I predict they’ll make their splash at quarterback in the trade or free agency markets, then turn their eyes to a top offensive tackle prospect in the first round.
Luke Easterling, Yahoo! Sports
OT Broderick Jones (Georgia)
The run on offensive tackles continues, as they Jets fill their biggest need outside of the quarterback position with the last prospect who should be a first-round lock in this year’s group. Jones is a mauler in the run game, solid in pass protection, and would be a huge boost to a promising offense.
Ian Cummings, Pro Football Network
OT Anton Harrison (Oklahoma)
Whether their new QB is Derek Carr or Aaron Rodgers, the New York Jets will need to ensure that he’s protected. With his unique blend of high-energy athleticism and active refinement, Anton Harrison can hit the ground running at left tackle and blossom into an impact player.
OT 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.
Damian Parson, The Draft Network
OT Paris Johnson (Ohio State)
The Jets were a cinderella story for a good portion of the season. Yes, the quarterback is a HUGE issue, but the offensive line needs retooling. Mekhi Becton must stay healthy, but that has yet to be seen. Paris Johnson Jr. is a position-fluid prospect. His athletic gifts translate well to the NFL. If Becton emerges with a full bill of health, Johnson Jr. can kick to the right side to get the best five OL on the field.
OT Peter Skoronski (Northwestern)
Many people argue that Peter Skoronski projects as a guard at the NFL level, but I am not in that camp. That being said, there are a few question marks with the Jets’ line, so his versatility may benefit them. Skoronski allowed just six pressures on 474 pass-blocking snaps for Northwestern this season, per PFF.
S Brian Branch (Alabama)
Brian Branch may have played college football but he carries himself and prepares as if he is already a professional. New York adds an accountable, competitive leader to the back end of the secondary to go along with a much-improved cornerback room.
