The Senior Bowl is a perfect time for fans of the New York Jets to gauge how strong a draft class could be before the Combine and Pro Day workouts hit.
In 2022, the Jets used four of their seven first-round picks on Senior Bowl Invitees, which was one of the strongest draft classes in recent memory. Two finalists for rookie of the year, multiple key role players, and plenty of potential have left New York in a prime state to improve the roster in 2023.
As always, trades are an important part of the mock draft process. In our first version, we had the Jets trading for Lamar Jackson. While we won’t be going so far this time, New York still is able to secure a veteran quarterback and have all of their draft picks for this version.
Let’s get to it.
New York Jets Draft Capital
- Round 1, Pick 13 overall
- Round 2, Pick 43 overall
- Round 3, Pick 74 overall
- Round 4, Pick 109 overall
- Round 5, Pick 140 overall
- Round 6, Pick 171 overall
*Signing* Jets signed Derek Carr in the offseason
Paying Derek Carr when the Raiders inevitably cut him is the easiest way to keep your draft capital while also upgrading the quarterback position. Carr would be an awesome pickup for New York should he choose to come here.
Round 1, Pick 13 overall – Peter Skoronski – OT, Northwestern
With Derek Carr now in New York, protecting him will be the top importance. The Jets have enough talented skill receivers to get the most out of the Pro Bowl quarterback but they need depth and talent at tackle. Skoronski is one of the best tackles in the draft this year and led the country in pass-block rating by Pro Football Focus. This is a slam-dunk pick for the Jets as they try to emulate the Eagles in building their team inside and out.
Round 2, Pick 43 overall – Demarvion Overshown – LB, Texas
The Jets have to make a decision at linebacker in the offseason. If they bring back Quincy Williams and Kwon Alexander, they won’t be taking a linebacker this early. However, I think it’s safe to say that only one will be back with the cap implications of paying a quarterback and top defensive tackle like the Jets are going to do. Overshown is a freak athlete and a solid pick in the second round that could take the place of whoever ends up leaving in New York.
Round 3, Pick 74 overall – Jartavius Martin – S, Illinois
New York has a lot of holes to fill across the board due to free agency but Martin is a player that they can’t pass up because of depth. Illinois’ defense was awesome in 2022 and a good part of that was the combination of Witherspoon and Martin. Witherspoon is going in the first round but Martin dropping to the third is a perfect spot for the Jets to bolster up their already-loaded secondary.
Round 4, Pick 109 overall – Matthew Bergeron – OL, Syracuse
Bergeron could easily go earlier but there are always a few players that drop in the draft for no apparent reason. The Syracuse tackle has position flexibility to allow himself the ability to go and play guard if the Jets need him to. I have doubts that Joe Douglas would let guys like Nate Herbig walk, but depth is a major issue within the Jets right now.
Round 5, Pick 140 overall – Jalen Redmond – DT, Oklahoma
Depth. Depth. Depth. The Jets have multiple free agents along the defensive line and most won’t be back for 2023. Getting depth pieces behind a player like Quinnen Williams will be of major importance to the team. Redmond has pretty good size and should compete for a roster spot immediately.
Round 6, Pick 171 overall – Cody Mauch – OG, NDSU
The darling of the senior bowl, Cody Mauch has been awesome both in run and pass protection. He could certainly go higher than the sixth round but I think this spot is perfect for him and New York. With proper coaching, the Jets could be looking at a steal and a day-one starter. Add in a great locker room personality and New York will love their final pick as the trenches get restocked.
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