The 2023 offseason is one of the most important in New York Jets’ history. After extending their playoff drought to 12 seasons, the Jets will search for a new QB two years after selecting Zach Wilson second overall in the 2021 draft. In 2022, Wilson was benched and may have no future with the team.
Jets GM Joe Douglas has built a strong roster, especially defensively. In our mock draft, here’s how he could improve it:
Round 1, Pick 13: Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern
The new quarterback of the Jets — Aaron Rodgers, perhaps? — is going to need new protectors. New York’s offensive line ranked 21st in pass block win rate and 30th in run block win rate in 2022, according to ESPN, making upgrading the offensive line a must.
Skoronski was graded as the best pass-blocking offensive lineman in college football by Pro Football Focus. The Northwestern tackle is the top-rated offensive lineman on Mel Kiper Jr.’s Big Board and sixth overall.
Round 2, Pick 43: Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa
Staying in the Big Ten, the Jets select Campbell. With Kwon Alexander and Quincy Williams hitting free agency in March, the Jets could have a major hole at linebacker. Campbell is a physical linebacker who recorded 202 tackles in his final three seasons at Iowa.
Round 3, Pick 74: Isaiah Foskey, DE, Notre Dame
You can never have enough quality pass rushers in the NFL. Foskey is ranked 34th on Mel Kiper Jr.’s Big Board. Getting a fringe first-round prospect in the third round would be tremendous value for Douglas. Foskey recorded 11 sacks in 2022, tied for sixth in the country.
Round 4, Pick 112: Olusegun Oluwatimi, C, Michigan
Connor McGovern and Dan Feeney, the starting and backup center in 2022, are impending free agents. Oluwatimi would be an ideal choice. The Michigan center won the Outland (best interior lineman in college) and Rimington trophies (best center) in 2022.
Round 5, Pick 145: Charlie Jones, WR, Purdue
Douglas will be happy to give the Jets’ new quarterback another weapon. Jones had a monster 2022 season, his only season at Purdue, hauling in 110 passes for 1,361 yards and 12 touchdowns. Jones is ranked 84th on ESPN Mel Kiper Jr.’s Big Board.
Round 6, Pick 179: Andre Szmyt, K, Syracuse
Jets kicker Greg Zuerlein, who struggled in 2022, is an impending free agent. Recently drafted kickers Evan McPherson (Bengals) and Cade York (Browns) had great success in their rookie seasons. Szmyt made 85 of his 105 field goal attempts in five seasons at Syracuse and won the Lou Groza Award as a freshman in 2018 as college football’s best kicker.
Round 6, Pick 185: Michael Turk, P, Oklahoma
Jets punter Braden Mann struggled in 2022, ranking 18th in average yards per punt, and tied for the third-most touchbacks. Douglas can upgrade with Turk, an All-Big 12 first-teamer who averaged 47.2 yards per punt over his career. In 2021, he averaged 51.2 yards.
