Jets 2023 NFL Mock Draft Roundup: Experts believe Gang Green will bolster OL
The Jets have steadily been adding pieces during the offseason, and owner Woody Johnson recently said he's "pretty confident" a trade for Aaron Rodgers will get done.
But there's still plenty of work to be done to build a Super Bowl-contending roster, and the 2023 NFL Draft is obviously a great place to find young talent.
With that being said, here is where the latest mock drafts have the Jets going in Round 1:
OT Peter Skoronski (Northwestern)
You absolutely killed last year's draft, ultimately sweeping Offensive (Garrett Wilson) and Defensive (Sauce Gardner) Rookie of the Year honors. Now it's time to get a lineman to help protect your (presumed) quarterback, Aaron Rodgers. I like Skoronski because he's from Park Ridge, Illinois, where this mock drafter was born. But he also grew up a Packers fan because his grandfather played for the team, so he can fanboy out with his (presumed) new quarterback.
OT Darnell Wright (Tennessee)
Big, strong, and with a ton of experience at both tackle spots throughout his career. Wright has no exceptional trait, but there isn't a glaring weakness, and he held up very well against Will Anderson.
Walter Cherepinsky, WalterFootball.com
OT Broderick Jones (Georgia)
Mekhi Becton has been a huge disappointment, so the Jets may use this pick to find a new offensive tackle.
Broderick Jones is a raw lineman who showed great upside at the combine.
OT Paris Johnson Jr. (Ohio State)
The Jets need better protection from the offensive line, especially if a soon-to-be 40-year-old Aaron Rodgers is going to be their quarterback. Gang Green allowed their quarterbacks to be pressured on 35.9 percent of their dropbacks in 2022, the seventh-highest rate in the NFL. With Mekhi Becton's future unclear, here's a plug-and-play starter who can either fill his void or serve as the other tackle opposite him.
Kyle Dvorchak, NBC Sports EDGE
OT Peter Skoronski (Northwestern)
Left tackle Mekhi Becton has appeared in one game over the past two years. He has reportedly cut weight and is nearing "in the best shape of his life territory". However, I don't see GM Joe Douglas gambling with Aaron Rodgers' left tackle for the final years of his career. If things work out and Becton is able to play without any issues, Skoronski, who is slightly undersized to play tackle, can kick in to guard.
DL Calijah Kancey (Pittsburgh)
The tackle run leaves the Jets empty-handed here, but their desperation at that position is a little overstated. Pairing Kancey with Quinnen Williams would give New York the most athletic defensive tackle duo in NFL history, a nightmare to pass block against on third downs.
