Jets' Top Hypothetical Trades to Make Splash in 2023 NFL Draft

The New York Jets have already made multiple trades this offseason. They acquired safety Chuck Clark from the Baltimore Ravens on March 15, then later sent wide receiver Elijah Moore to the Cleveland Browns on March 23.

The Jets likely aren't done making deals. Especially because the Aaron Rodgers situation remains unresolved.

Perhaps New York will trade for Rodgers, which still seems quite likely at this point. Or maybe it will complete other deals ahead of the 2023 NFL draft, which is set for April 27-29 in Kansas City. There are always plenty of trades that occur leading up to the draft and then over the course of the three-day event.

Here's a look at several hypothetical trades the Jets could complete to make a splash either before or during the draft.

Trade for Aaron Rodgers

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GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - JANUARY 08: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers throws a pass against the Detroit Lions in the second half at Lambeau Field on January 08, 2023 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

Packers receive: No. 42 overall pick and a 2024 conditional second-round pick

Jets receive: QB Aaron Rodgers

This is the most obvious trade New York is still likely to make this offseason. Rodgers has already made it clear he wants to play for the Jets. But they have not been able to work out a trade yet with the Packers.

It could help if New York is willing to make at least one of the draft picks heading back to Green Bay conditional. Maybe the Jets could offer a future second-round pick that could turn into a first if Rodgers plays well enough.

That's a win-win scenario for both sides. Because even if New York ends up having to part with a first-rounder, then Rodgers likely played well enough to lead the team to success prior to that.

At some point, the 39-year-old Rodgers should be joining the Jets. And that will solve their quarterback situation, as they likely don't want to be heading into the 2023 season with Zach Wilson still as their starter.

Trade Down, Still Land a Top DT

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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 02: Defensive lineman Bryan Bresee of Clemson participates in a drill during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 02, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

Commanders receive: No. 13 overall pick

Jets receive: No. 16 overall pick, No. 118 overall pick, No. 215 overall pick

At No. 13 in the 2023 NFL draft, New York is likely to miss out on many of the players near the top of its board. The first dozen players selected are likely to feature the best in the class, so the Jets may not have a great prospect to target there, especially if Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter has already been taken.

The best move for New York could be to trade down to acquire more draft capital. It currently owns only six picks in the 2023 draft, so it would surely like to add some additional selections.

A potential trade partner for the Jets could be the Washington Commanders, who might be looking to move up a few spots to land a player filling one of their positions of need. This hypothetical offer could make sense for both teams in that sense.

If New York moves down to a few spots to No. 16, it could still be in the range to add a player such as Clemson defensive tackle Bryan Bresee. He might be able to immediately slide into a starting role next to Quinnen Williams on the interior of the Jets' D-line, too.

Trade Down to Acquire Even More Draft Capital

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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 28: General manager Joe Douglas of the New York Jets speaks to the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on February 28, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

Chargers receive: No. 13 overall pick

Jets receive: No. 21 overall pick, No. 54 overall pick, No. 200 overall pick

This is a similar hypothetical trade to the previous one. But in this offer, New York is moving even further down to No. 21. Because of that, it's also adding a second-round selection, which could make it enticing to complete such a deal.

The Jets have done a good job of stockpiling young, talented players in recent years, and this would allow them to continue to do that. With them not being on the clock until No. 13, they may as well trade down a substantial amount to try to get some additional Day 2 picks.

New York already has two second-round picks. By adding another, it could fill yet another hole on its roster and set itself up even better for both short- and long-term success.