The 2023 NFL Draft is weeks away and the New York Jets have remained busy with both trying to improve the roster in free agency, while also doing their fair share of research on the top prospects.
As is the case during this time of year, several prospects have met with Gang Green as part of their top 30 visits. There, the team can meet with a player one-on-one, see how the prospect would fit in their system, and even get the inside track on who might be available when they pick.
New York has already met with quite a few prospects so let’s go over each of them here.
Daiyan Henley – LB, Washington St.
The first known prospect to meet with New York for a top 30 visit. Henley has good speed and is tracking to be a starter at the NFL level should he develop like people expect him to. He doesn’t have the instincts that make him beat out a player like Jack Campbell on Draft day, but his overall play speed and hunger for contact could make for an interesting day-three selection.
DeWayne McBride – RB, UAB
New York has an interesting need at running back with Breece Hall expected to be ready for Week One, but not training camp. McBride has the potential to be a solid back and has the physical attributes needed to succeed at the position. Ball security and a lack of receiving targets will have him slip in this draft. An interesting potential pickup for the Jets in the later rounds.
B.J. Ojulari – DE, LSU
An interesting prospect with plenty of upside – Ojulari has an NFL pedigree thanks to his brother being with the Giants. He’s a good pass rusher and has intangibles for days but might need a year or two to fully develop into a top-form player. A late first, early second-round pick might be where he ends up.
John Michael Schmitz – C, Minnesota
Michael Schmitz is the best center prospect in the draft this season and for good reason. He’s excellent on both the run and pass and has the tape to prove he can handle bigger defensive tackles. He will certainly be available at 13 for the Jets, but it would probably make more sense for the team to trade down if they believe they can grab him in the 20s range.
Chandler Zavala – G, NC State
Another potential late-round add that the Jets could be interested in. Zavala had a good career with the Wolfpack giving up just half a sack in 2022 and being named a first-team ALL-ACC selection. The loss of Nate Herbig means the team needs added depth along the interior of the offensive line and Zavala could very well be that player.
Brodic Martin – NT, Western Kentucky
An absolute space eater, Martin has the size and quickness to be able to be a true run-stuffer in the NFL today. With most interior linemen getting shorter but quicker, it’s not hard to see Martin’s skillset being used to great effect.
Broderick Jones – LT, Georgia
Depending on who you ask, Jones might be the most complete tackle in this draft. Similarly, when the franchise drafted Mekhi Becton, the Jets could have the opportunity with the 13th overall selection to solidify their two tackles for the long-term. Jones is probably the odds-on favorite to land with Gang Green.
Jason Taylor II – S, Oklahoma State
A player who can work well on special teams and has good tackling instincts for the safety position, Taylor made a visit with the Jets earlier according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. New York needs more depth in the back end of their defense and with a strong special teams background, Taylor could be an interesting late-round selection by New York that helps them right away.
Paris Johnson – T, Ohio State
One of the top tackles available in a couple of weeks has already visited the Philadelphia Eagles but is scheduled to meet with Gang Green according to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network. Johnson has a ton of position flexibility and could be seen as a future All-Pro at guard over tackle. Still, the offensive line is a major position of need for the Jets and Johnson could be the perfect player to fit that role.
Sean Tucker, RB, Syracuse
Another running back has had a visit with the Jets according to Tony Pauline of the Pro Football Network. The downhill runner has totaled over 1,000 yards in each of the last two seasons for the Orange and could be a nice compliment to Breece Hall should the latter need a few games to get back to 100%. Tucker has not tested much throughout the draft process but his tape is one of a solid back that could be had in the later rounds.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned for further updates.
