New York Jets acquired their franchise quarterback by trading Aaron Rodgers with Green Bay Packers. Both teams reached a compromise after months and months worth of negotiations to send Rodgers to New York, just days before the 2023 NFL Draft.
Last year, Jets general manger Joe Douglas nailed the draft. In 2022, he entered the draft with two first-round selections. He ended up selecting three premium players in the very first round. Two of the three Jets first-round picks, CB Sauce Garden, and WR Garrett Wilson, went on to win Defensive and Offensive rookie of the year awards, respectively.
Douglas is a good drafter and will be looking to continue this good form when the NY Jets enter 2023 NFL Draft. They have very specific needs. The Jets have 5 picks in the 2023 Draft. They may add or subtract some during Draft Day. This article will look at five players that the Jets need to target during the NFL Draft.
5. Jordan Battle (S. Alabama)
The NY Jets are in need of reinforcements for the defensive back position. The Alabama safety Jordan Battle is a perfect addition to Robert Saleh ‘s list. Battle is a master at both zone coverage and man coverage. He is physically strong and a good tackler in the open field despite his thin build.
Battle played for Nick Saban, the legendary head coach of Alabama. Battle played for Bama from 2004-2008, where he registered 252 tackles in total, 6 interceptions and 1 sack. The Jets may trade down in order to get more picks, but still select the Alabama defensive back.
4. Jack Campbell (LB)
Kwon Alexandr , the Jets star linebacker, is still unsigned. Even if Alexander resigns, the Jets would still require some linebacker help. The Iowa Hawkeyes’ defender Jack Campbell might be able to solve this problem.
The 6’5″, 243-pound Iowa linebacker is probably the best draft pick. Campbell played TE in 2020 for the Cincinnati Bearcats but switched back to his natural position that same year. Campbell played 34 games at Iowa and recorded 299 tackles in total, 3 sacks and 5 interceptions.
Jack Campbell, a product of Iowa, is expected to be selected in the second round in the NFL Draft in 2023. The Jets have the 43rd pick and are in an ideal position to select him.
3. Quentin Johnston
The Jets have a solid receiving group. The Jets have a good receiving core, with Corey Davis and Allen Lazard as well as Mecole Hardman. But they still need someone who can win contested catches. TCU wideout Quentin Johnston could be that person.
Quentin Johnston is a wide receiver with the potential to be a dominant player in the NFL. He could also benefit from catching the passes of future Hall of Fame QB Aaron Rodgers.
The 6’4″ wide receiver caught everyone’s eye with his impressive performance in 2022, when he recorded 1069 receiving yard and 6 receiving touchdowns over 14 games. Johnston is expected to be a first-round late pick. The Jets can either trade up or down to get him.
2. Calijah Kancey (DL, Pittsburgh)
The Jets could fill the position of defensive line with the Panthers’ Calijah kancey. The 6-foot-tall defensive lineman draws Aaron Donald comparisons and would be a huge asset to Robert Saleh’s defence.
Calijah was a star defensive lineman in Pittsburgh, where he recorded 16 sacks during his three-year tenure. The Jets shouldn’t miss the opportunity to draft him. He is projected as a first-rounder in the middle to late rounds.
1. Broderick Jones (OT, Georgia)
The offensive line is the New York Jets’ top priority for the 2023 NFL Draft. Jets’ offensive line has been terrible for years. The Jets have tried several times to fix the problem and even had some success, but they still need to improve their offensive line in order to protect Aaron Rodgers.
There’s no better option than adding young talent from the first round to their O line. The Jets have many options with their first round pick, but Georgia Bulldogs’ tackle Broderick is a great fit.
Joe Douglas, the Jets’ 15th pick overall, could select this 6’4″ 315-pound offensive tackle. The Jets can trade down if no tackles are drafted, or if only one tackle is drafted. They will still get a good offensive lineman.
