The 2023 NFL Draft is in the distant past now, with the 2023 NFL season around the corner. What were the New York Jets‘ draft picks in 2023, how did they acquire those selections, and which prospects did they select? We have all of the info you need to know.
Want to see how the Jets graded out during the 2023 NFL Draft? Check out our full New York Jets draft grades, then take a look at the entire 2023 NFL Draft results.
New York Jets Draft Picks by Round in 2023
- Round 1, Pick 15 (from GB)
Will McDonald IV, EDGE | Iowa State - Round 2, Pick 43
Joe Tippmann, C | Wisconsin
- Round 4, Pick 112
Carter Warren, OT | Pittsburgh - Round 5, Pick 143
Israel Abanikanda, RB | Pittsburgh - Round 6, Pick 184
Zaire Barnes, LB | Western Michigan - Round 6, Pick 204
Jarrick Bernard-Converse, DB | LSU - Round 7, Pick 220
Zack Kuntz, TE | Old Dominion
How Many Draft Picks Did the Jets Have in the 2023 NFL Draft?
The Jets ultimately made seven picks in the 2023 NFL Draft. New York made a series of trades before the draft got underway that changed the composition of their 2023 selections.
First, Gang Green shipped wide receiver Elijah Moore and their third-rounder (No. 74) to the Browns in exchange for a second-round choice (No. 42). Initially, that gave the Jets back-to-back picks in the second round at Nos. 42 and 43.
However, New York then made the biggest move of any team during the offseason by acquiring Aaron Rodgers from the Packers. In that deal, the Jets traded the No. 13 pick, their new second-round choice (No. 42), a sixth-rounder (No. 207), and a conditional 2024 second-rounder to Green Bay in exchange for Rodgers, pick No. 15, and a fifth-round selection (No. 170).
During the draft, the Jets acquired more draft capital by trading back twice. First, they moved back eight spots in the fourth round by shipping pick No. 112 to the Patriots in exchange for Nos. 120 and 184.
New York’s final trade allowed the Raiders to move back into the fifth round. The Jets landed picks in the sixth (No. 204) and seventh rounds (No. 220) in exchange for pick No. 170.
Who Did the Jets Draft in 2023?
Although the Jets were hoping to acquire assistance for their offensive line during the first round, the Steelers managed to secure Georgia’s Broderick Jones before New York could make a move. Jones was considered the final highly touted tackle available.
As a result, the Jets opted for Will McDonald IV, who had been gaining momentum right up to the draft. McDonald is unlikely to be more than the fourth edge rusher right away for the Jets, with Carl Lawson, John Franklin-Myers, and Jermaine Johnson II ahead of him in the pecking order. However, he’s a highly athletic player who could be a subpackage star for Robert Saleh’s defense.
During Round 2, New York acquired Wisconsin center Joe Tippmann who has the potential to start. He will compete for the starting center position against Connor McGovern, who New York re-signed on a one-year deal at the league minimum. Additionally, Tippmann has the ability to play guard, which gives the team flexibility as they decide how to utilize their offensive line.
The Jets’ remaining draft picks are expected to serve as backup players in their first season. Carter Warren and Max Mitchell will compete for the position of swing tackle to support starting players Duane Brown and Mekhi Becton. Israel Abanikanda will face the challenging task to earn playing time behind Breece Hall, Zonovan Knight, and Michael Carter.