The New York Jets kicked off draft week by finally completing a trade with the Green Bay Packers for superstar quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
That transaction left New York slightly short on top-end draft capital, especially in comparison to 2022 when it had three first-round picks.
Plus, the first-round pick swap included in that deal, which saw the Jets move down just two places, proved to be the difference between potentially drafting the last of the elite offensive tackle prospects (Broderick Jones, pick No. 14) and addressing a lesser need with EDGE Will McDonald IV.
Let’s take a look at the Jets’ 2023 NFL Draft class.
Jets NFL Draft Picks 2023
- Round 1, Pick 15 Overall (From GB): Will McDonald IV, EDGE, Iowa State
- Round 2, Pick 43 Overall: Joe Tippmann, C, Wisconsin
- Round 4, Pick 120 Overall (From PIT via NE): Carter Warren, OT, Pittsburgh
- Round 5, Pick 143 Overall: Israel Abanikanda, RB, Pittsburgh
- Round 6, Pick 184 Overall (From LV via NE): Zaire Barnes, LB, Western Michigan
- Round 6, Pick 204 Overall (From DAL via LV): Jarrick Bernard-Converse, CB, LSU
- Round 7, Pick 220 Overall (From ARI via LV): Zack Kuntz, TE, Old Dominion
Jets NFL Futures Odds
Now that the NFL Draft is complete, get ready for the 2023-24 NFL season with the latest Jets odds and futures betting markets.
Jets Draft Grade 2023
Jets NFL Draft Grade: C+
Our Frank Ammirante gave the Jets a C+ for their haul, which saw them add some offensive-line depth to protect Rodgers and pick up an intriguing running back prospect in Israel Abanikanda, who could help spell Breece Hall as he works his way back from a torn ACL.
Click to see our full report card of 2023 NFL Draft Grades.
Note: The following information was written prior to the 2023 NFL Draft.
Jets Draft Team Needs 2023
1. Quarterback
It has only been two years since the Jets selected Zach Wilson with the No. 2 overall pick, but it is pretty clear that New York is ready to move on, at least in the short term. Aaron Rodgers has declared his intent to suit up for the green and white next season, and although a deal isn’t done yet, a move seems imminent.
2. Offensive Line
Part of the Jets’ quarterback problem has been protection. Last season, Mike White came off the bench and made some of the plays that Wilson wasn’t. However, he also took a bunch of hits and missed time with broken ribs.
The return of standout guard Alijah Vera-Tucker (torn triceps) will help, but there are plenty of questions at the tackle spot when it comes to the durability of Mekhi Bechton, the future of George Fant, and readiness of 2022 fourth-rounder Max Mitchell.
3. Safety
A few years ago, safety was a position of strength for the Jets after drafting Jamal Adams and Marcus Maye with their first two picks of the 2017 NFL Draft. With both players now elsewhere and LaMarcus Joyner set to hit free agency, New York would be smart to invest in the position once again.
Jets May Also Consider Drafting: Linebacker, Defensive Tackle
Jets NFL Draft Round 1 Mock 2023
- Round 1, Pick 13 Overall: Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
As of April 3, our own Anthony Cervino is predicting the Jets will pick this highly touted offensive lineman. Read our full NFL Mock Draft.
Jets NFL Draft Pick History
Jets NFL Draft Picks 2022
- Round 1, Pick 4 (4th Overall): Ahmad “Sauce" Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
- Round 1, Pick 10 (10th Overall): Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
- Round 1, Pick 26 (26th Overall): Jermaine Johnson II, DE, Florida State
- Round 2, Pick 4 (36th Overall): Breece Hall, RB, Iowa State
- Round 3, Pick 37 (101st Overall): Jeremy Ruckert, TE, Ohio State
- Round 4, Pick 6 (111th Overall): Max Mitchell, OT, Louisiana
- Round 4, Pick 12 (117th Overall): Micheal Clemons, DE, Texas A&M
