The 2023 NFL Draft is almost here, as crazy as that sounds. That means draft boards are starting to become complete and final mocks are right around the corner.
Our buddy Curt Popejoy over at Draft Wire took the liberty of taking a crack at a three-round mock draft with the first wave of free agency in the books and the draft in the middle of everyone’s radar. Let’s take a look at his picks for the Jets. Note that the Jets still have both second-round picks in this mock.
No. 13 - Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
Broderick Jones has become a very popular pick in mock drafts for the Jets at No. 13 and for good reason. He’s extremely athletic and fast and will help the Jets at a position of need both in the short term and in the long term. And with the quarterbacks being pushed up the board where you can’t rule out the first four picks of the draft being quarterbacks, the chances of the Jets getting a top tackle increase. Jones has to be considered a favorite to be the selection here.
No. 42 - Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson
The Jets flip to the defensive side of the ball here with an athletic and rangy linebacker that can play all over the field. Simpson would add a lot of flexibility to the front seven for the Jets. Maybe not immediately with C.J. Mosley and Quincy Williams still around, but down the line, Simpson and Williams would make for a nice linebacker pairing.
No. 43 - John Michael Schmitz, C, Minnesota
John Michael Schmitz has become a favorite and even a draft crush among the Jets community. The Jets need a center. Even if they go and sign Ben Jones, they’ll still need a long-term option and Schmitz, who showed plenty of potential at the Senior Bowl, fits the bill perfectly. He could even start day one if need be.
