The most interesting team heading into the 2023 NFL Draft has to be the New York Jets. They have 6 picks available to them right now, but all that might change if they work out a deal for Aaron Rodgers.
Aaron Rodgers is currently the quarterback for the Green Bay Packers, but he has announced his intention to play for the Jets this season. The terms of the deal are still being worked out, as the Packers allegedly want the Jets first-round pick in the upcoming draft included in the deal. The Jets seem unwilling to give up anything higher than a second-round pick this year, while they may be open to give up next year's first round pick. Assuming that the deal gets done before the draft, it is expected that the Jets will have at least one less pick to work with, which will impact some NFL draft odds.
As the New York Jets fully expect to have Rodgers to start the season one way or another, they do not need a new quarterback. Their main needs heading into the 2023 NFL Draft are offensive guard, offensive tackle, linebacker, defensive tackle, and safety.
With that in mind, here are the top 5 prospects that the Jets will be looking at as they decide their NFL draft picks.
OG Peter Skoronski (Northwestern)
Skoronski is a smooth player who moves seamlessly and has excellent technique. At the moment Skoronski is considered by many draft experts to be the top offensive lineman in this year's draft. Last season, Skoronski allowed 6 QB pressures and only one QB sack in 457 pass-blocking snaps. Skoronski can handle blocks well, has quick feet, and has an amazing ability to both wall off and tie up defenders in the ground game.
The knock on Skoronski is that he has shorter-than-average arms for an offensive tackle, his primary position at Northwestern. Because of this, some feel he may have to move to offensive guard in the NFL. Many teams ahead of the Jets do not have a need for a guard or tackle. Still, as he is graded so highly, there is a chance Skoronski is off the board when the Jets are on the clock with the 13th pick.
OT Paris Johnson Jr (Ohio State)
Johnson was ranked 19th in a recent mock draft by ESPN NFL Draft expert Mel Kiper. He has the ideal weight, length, and height for an NFL offensive tackle, but the real potential comes from his quickness. Johnson uses his speed to his advantage to neutralize speedy rushers, and his amazing reach means he does not need to strain to stop the rushers. Johnson is also willing to deliver hits and get hit by opposing players.
However, despite his strength and amazing speed, we wouldn’t call Johnson a bulldozer. Some experts say he needs to work on his technique.
LB Daiyan Henley (Washington State)
Henley is ranked by most experts as a 3rd or 4th round pick, although Carolina is considering picking him with their second round pick. He is considered one of the best linebacker in the draft at the moment, having missed only 5 tackles on 97 attempts in his final college season. That stat comes from Henley’s amazing instincts on the field. His reaction times are immediate, allowing hardly anyone to get past him. His speed does not come as a cost as Henley is a solid tackler too.
On a side note, Henley was also known as a great character at Washington State, uplifting his teammates and keeping everyone motivated.
One of his only negatives come from his weight, which is a little low for a linebacker. Henley will likely need to put on more muscle in order to tackle the bigger NFL offensive players.
DT Keeanu Benton (Wisconsin)
Benton has been receiving a lot of hype lately, and for a good reason. This defensive tackle has outstanding technique, and he can string together an incredible web of moves to get through his opponent.
Due to his size and strength, Benton can knock down any player, and he has a good level of speed to reach opposing quarterbacks with ease. His real strength comes from working off blocks, which is a skill not every defensive tackle has.
However, despite all these pros, Benton isn’t amazing at any one particular skill. As a “jack of all trades, master of none”, that could work against him.
S Brian Branch (Alabama)
Branch is a strong player and one of the top safeties in the draft . At the moment he is projected as a mid-to-late first rounder. Throughout his college career, Branch only missed 4 tackles from 174 attempts. That record is jaw-dropping.
Branch can do it all. He is an instinctive player with amazing ball control, a great tackler, has great speed, and always gets to the ball. His only weakness is his weight which needs to increase to match the NFL players.
Final Thoughts
Each of these players would help fill an immediate need for the New York Jets. The main concern comes from whether these players will be available when the Jets are on the clock. These players were all top college players at their position, so if another team grabs them first, the Jets might miss out. The Jets will have to decide what they need the most.
The 2023 NFL Draft starts on Thursday, April 27th.
Moonlighting as a blogger to pursue my interest and enjoyment of sports. Former high school and Division I athlete (now a "retired" family man) that loves watching and discussing all sports. Follow me on Twitter (@HoldoutSports) and like Holdout Sports on Facebook.
