Now that Aaron Rodgers is a Jet all the way after a blockbuster trade with the Packers, the Jets have once piece of unfinished after landing their franchise quarterback: Dominate another NFL draft.
Following some disappointment in 2021 (Zach Wilson and others), general manager Joe Douglas nailed the key selections in 2022, including star cornerback Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner, Sporting News rookie of the year. The team also got edge rusher Jermaine Johnson to help the defense.
But it was two offensive skill position picks — wide receiver Garrett Wilson and running back Breece Hall — that made the Jets more attractive for a veteran QB such as Rodgers.
Now that Rodgers is on the team, the Jets are an instant AFC title contender given how Gardner, Johnson and others helped flip coach Robert Saleh's defense into a dominant unit. After two great offseasons, there are only a few bits of unfinished roster business left to become a complete, dangerous team.
The Jets, after the Rodgers trade, are left with five overall picks in 2023. Based on their remaining team needs and the value of players available, here's the ideal scenario for each pick:
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Round 1, No. 15 overall: Offensive tackle
The Jets moved down two spots from No. 13 but still should be in good shape to address Rodgers' pass protection. While they hope Mekhi Becton can get healthy and get on track as a blocker, Duane Brown and Max Mitchell are concerns outside.
Even if Northwestern's Peter Skoronski and Ohio State's Paris Johnson Jr. go off the board before them, the Jets should be in good shape to land either Georgia's Broderick Jones or Tennessee's Darnell Wright. This would be similar to what the Buccaneers did, drafting Tristan Wirfs after signing Tom Brady.
Round 2, No. 43 overall: Big-play wide receiver
The Jets love Wilson and already a former Packers favorite of Rodgers in Allen Lazard. But they also traded once-promising Elijah Moore and could easily cut Corey Davis. They need a third option who can work inside, show quickness after the catch and scare defenses in open field.
North Carolina's Josh Downs, Tennessee's Jalin Hyatt and Oklahoma's Marvin Mims can all deliver that additional big-play element for Rodgers in different ways.
Round 4, No. 112 overall: Safety
The Jets are well off at corner with Gardner, D.J. Reed and slot cover man Michael Carter. But they are below average at both safeties with starters Chuck Clark and Jordan Whitehead. They should explore some depth with upside with this pick, targeting either Notre Dame's Brandon Joseph or Illinois' Jartavius Martin.
Round 5, No. 143 overall: Guard
The Jets have former 49ers stud Laken Tomlinson inside and hopeful that Alijah Vera-Tucker, like Becton, will be healthy enough to show his first-round worth. It would be nice to have more inside depth for Rodgers' new line. Notre Dame's Jarret Patterson, Arkansas' Ricky Stromberg and Ole Miss' Nick Broeker are all solid late developmental options.
Round 5, No. 170 overall: Running back?
The Jets could go anywhere for depth with their last pick, but how about the backfield, given Hall is coming back from a major knee injury and both Zonovan Knight and the other Michael Carter have shown only limited flashes. Pittsburgh's Israel Abanikanda and Illinois' Chase Brown are among the intriguing deep sleepers target at the position.
Given the state of their defense, the Jets are smarter to make this an offensive-heavy class with limited draft capital. Given the big prize they just got in Rodgers, you can bet they will do everything they can for him to win big with him right away.
