To tank or not to tank? That is the question the 2023 New York Jets must determine as they traverse through their 4-7 record with six games remaining.
If New York loses the remainder of their games, they will likely be able to acquire a top-five overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft – an important addition with Aaron Rodgers expected to be back fully next season as well. Should that happen though, would the Jets go and solidify their offensive line, or get the best wide receiver in the draft class?
As Week 13 begins, we break down what Gang Green’s draft could look like in April and if the team can improve their roster in a major way. Let’s break it down.
*Current Draft Status as shown on the Mock Draft Database*
TRADE: Jets send eighth overall pick, 117th overall pick, and 2025 2nd round pick to Chicago for fourth overall pick
1st Round – 4th Overall Selection: WR, Marvin Harrison Jr. – Ohio State
Marvin Harrison Jr. is the best wide receiver prospect coming out of college in quite some time. Whichever team takes him could instantly become a title contender if they have a top quarterback. Harrison has excellent size and speed, can get off the press well, and is a terrific route-runner. With Garrett Wilson on the other side, the Jets could pair him with a fellow OSU alum – a clear example that New York is going to have the best player available.
Many will want an offensive lineman at this spot, but you can solidify the offensive line through trades and free agency. You can’t simply trade for one of the top wide receivers in the game. This should be a no-brainer decision if they can move into the top five without giving up any major draft capital.
3rd Round – 74th Overall Selection: OL, Zack Zinter – Michigan
Zinter could easily go in the first two rounds but his broken tibia suffered in the Ohio State game will make him drop. When you have players from blue-chip programs like Michigan, chances are they are more NFL-ready than other top prospects. Zinter is an excellent guard who, when healthy, could easily get some starting snaps on the inside.
This could be the eventual replacement for Laken Tomlinson once he inevitably moves on.
4th Round – 109th Overall Selection: OT, Blake Fisher – Notre Dame
I think the Jets could solve their tackle problems without needing a top overall pick. There are going to be some available in free agency that should be able to bring starter depth into the mix. They also should address it in the draft as well. Blake Fisher isn’t the player that Joe Alt is, but he has experience at right tackle and has the natural build for the position. He’s someone who can grow into a really strong player and the Jets should be all over someone like this.
6th Round – 184th Overall Selection: QB, Jordan Travis – FSU
Before his gruesome injury, I thought Jordan Travis would be a quarterback easily taken in the first two rounds. Now, with questions about his recovery, a natural slide is in order but that doesn’t mean Travis can’t play. His blend of pocket awareness and arm talent makes him an interesting prospect to learn from Rodgers and grow as a developmental piece.
A late-round flier on a player like this is never a bad idea.
7th Round – 253rd Overall Selection: DT, DeWayne Carter – Duke
Many analysts and fans want the Jets to only focus on the offensive line and receiver room this draft cycle, but they do need more help on the interior of their defensive line. Quinton Jefferson, Al Woods, and Solomon Thomas are all free agents. New York needs to find some interior prospects to pair well with Quinnen Williams so they aren’t left playing the free-agent game for the next few years. Carter is a developmental lineman who should be able to produce at a solid level after some seasoning.
7th Round – 254th Overall Selection: OL, Tanner Miller – Oregon State
New York needs another top offensive weapon and as much offensive line depth as possible. That’s why they take a flier on Tanner Miller from Oregon State. Miller has the position flexibility many look for in late-round linemen and should be a nice prospect that the Jets should be trying to develop.
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