As we approach the 2023 NFL Draft, the New York Jets still have holes on the roster to fill. With the addition of Aaron Rodgers, the Jets are all-in on winning sooner rather than later. With where Rodgers is in his career, whatever holes the Jets currently have will need to be filled posthaste.
New York Jets Team Needs Following Round 1
- QB
- C
- OT
- DT
The Jets have lots of holes on their roster to fill if they are going to maximize the return on investment in adding Rodgers. An ongoing issue for them is the offensive line, which has yet to be solved adequately for one reason or another. Between injuries and talent deficiency, protecting the quarterback has been a major hurdle. They seemed poised to address this need in Round 1, but they got out-maneuvered by the Pittsburgh Steelers and the division rival New England Patriots.
MORE: New York Jets 2023 NFL Draft Picks
On defense, they need help all along the defensive line. The future of Quinnen Williams is a question mark, and even with him, they need more interior help. Not to mention, the Jets have yet to have a star edge rusher in years. Will their surprise of a first-round pick fix that? After major changes to the coaching staff on the offensive side, the defensive side cannot afford to take a step backward.
Results for Jets 2023 Draft Pick
Round 1, Pick 15 | Will McDonald, EDGE
This was a surprise, to say the least. New York seemed poised to go offensive line here and fill a major need. The rival Patriots were on the clock just before them and traded with the Steelers, who came up and took the best available tackle. The Jets were seemingly caught flat-footed and took a player many thought would go at the end of Round, maybe even Round 2.
Will McDonald IV will make an already strong defense stronger. There is no doubt about that. It just feels like he was over drafted here based on who was still on the board. This added to the feeling the Jets got caught with their pants down, missing out on a top tackle.
Predictions for Remaining Jets 2023 Draft Picks
Round 2, Pick 12 | John Michael Schmitz, C
The Jets have a desperate need at center. It may truly be their biggest need. John Michael Schmitz is potentially the best pure center in this draft. Getting him and Skoronski with their first two picks of the draft would be a dream come true for New York.
Round 4, Pick 10 | Tyler Steen, OT
Tyler Steen is a pure offensive tackle and brings great size to the position to help own the edge of the offense.
MORE: 2023 NFL Draft Team Needs
The Jets have true needs at each of the tackle spots, so getting him and Skoronski in the same draft is a steal. Steen may not be a Day 1 starter but has the upside to develop as a swing tackle.
Round 5, Pick 8 | Byron Young, DT
More depth on the defensive interior. Byron Young has excellent play strength and an awareness of how to use his long arms and hands to maintain leverage and shed blocks to get into gaps.
Round 6, Pick 30 | YaYa Diaby, EDGE
This is not the answer to the Jets’ EDGE woes, but it is a step in the right direction. YaYa Diaby has elite athleticism and the upside to be developed into a rotational player who can situationally provide pressure.