We’re a little more than a week away from the 2023 NFL Draft and things are getting a little clearer in the top 10.
We’ll take our third crack at what the Jets might do in this week’s seven-round mock draft.
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The position to watch in the top 10 that could affect the Jets the most is offensive line.
How many tackles will be off the board when the Jets are on the clock at pick No. 13?
It looks like two or three could be gone, leaving general manager Joe Douglas with a choice between taking the third or fourth best tackle or a top player at another position.
We used the PFF mock draft simulator to help us out and here is what we came up with for the Jets 2023 Draft:
Round 1, No. 13 overall: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
Previous Picks: Trade to the Rams; Calijah Kancey, DT, Pitt
The PFF simulator had two offensive linemen off the board, with Paris Johnson and Peter Skoronski going at Picks 9 and 10, respectively.
I considered taking Broderick Jones or Darnell Wright, but Smith-Njigba is just too tempting.
The Jets pick Jaxon Smith-Njigba in our latest 2023 NFL Mock Draft. AP
Jaxon Smith-Njigba would give future Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers a young intriguing target. APThe Jets’ interest in Odell Beckham Jr. showed they still feel the wide receivers room is incomplete.
Smith-Njigba would give the Jets a huge weapon alongside Garrett Wilson, Allen Lazard and Mecole Hardman.
There is risk.
He barely played last season due to a hamstring injury, but let’s roll the dice and give Aaron Rodgers another weapon.
Round 2, No. 42 overall: Joe Tippmann, C, Wisconsin
Previous Picks: Daiyan Henley, LB, Washington State; Luke Wypler, C, Ohio State
I did not use the first pick on the offensive line, so I went there with this pick.
Tippmann is rated as the top center in the draft by some draft experts.
He was schooled by former Jets lineman Jason Fabini as a youth player.
He is strong (455 pound bench press) and quick and fits the Jets wide-zone scheme.
Round 2, No. 43 overall: BJ Ojulari, Edge, LSU
Previous Picks: Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Edge, Kansas State; Daiyan Henley, LB, Washington State
The brother of Giants pass rusher Azeez Ojulari, he had 16.5 sacks in three years at LSU and is known as a high-character player.
Head coach Robert Saleh loves collecting edge rushers and sending them in waves at opponents.
He gets another one here in the second round.
BJ Ojulari during LSU’s Pro Day on March 29, 2023. APRound 4, No. 112 overall: Anthony Johnson, S, Iowa State
Previous Picks: Juice Scruggs, C, Penn State; K.J. Henry, Edge, Clemson
The Jets, with an eye on the future, are going to have to take a safety in this draft.
Jordan Whitehead and Chuck Clark are not long-term answers at the position.
Douglas needs to address depth now and possibly find a future starter.
Johnson is a converted cornerback and another high-character team captain pick for the Jets.
Round 5, No. 143 overall: Dorian Williams, LB, Tulane
Previous Picks: Kobie Turner, DT, Wake Forest; Ronnie Hickman, S, Ohio State
We’re looking for special teams players on Day 3 of the draft and Williams was a core special teams player at Tulane, logging 759 special teams snaps.
Williams would not be viewed as a defensive player immediately, but can provide some depth at linebacker where the Jets need some.
Round 6, No. 207 overall: Bryce Ford-Wheaton, WR, West Virginia
Previous Picks: Anthony Johnson Jr, S, Iowa State; Aidan O’Connell, QB, Purdue
Ford-Wheaton tested well at the NFL Combine, running a 4.38 40-yard dash.
His production in college did not match his athleticism, though.
He is a raw prospect who can cover punts early in his career and the hope is he can become a better receiver with some coaching and experience.
