Jets 2023 NFL Mock Draft: Roundup of B/R Staff, Kiper and Expert Picks

For the first time since 2016, the New York Jets won't have a selection within the first 11 picks of the NFL draft in 2023. That's a sign of the franchise making progress, as the team fared well enough during the 2022 season to not be picking until No. 13.

However, the Jets still haven't made the playoffs since the 2010 season. So they need to keep acquiring talented players they can build around in their bid to construct a roster that can lead to long-term success.

New York will have three picks over the first two rounds of this year's draft on April 27-29, as it acquired an additional second-round selection when it traded wide receiver Elijah Moore to the Cleveland Browns. What will the Jets do with all of their high draft capital?

Here's a look at what some recent mock drafts are predicting New York will do with its top picks this year.

No. 13 Pick

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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 05: Peter Skoronski of Northwestern participates in a drill during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 05, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

B/R NFL Scouting Department: Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern

ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr.: Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia

ESPN's Todd McShay: Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State

NFL.com's Chad Reuter: Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern

Each of these mocks has the Jets taking an offensive tackle, which makes sense. Mekhi Becton has dealt with right knee injuries over the past two years, while Duane Brown will be 38 by the time the 2023 season arrives. So, New York needs greater depth up front.

Peter Skoronski could be the best fit, especially because he can slide over to play guard if needed. His flexibility would allow the Jets to consider several different O-line alignments. Plus, the 21-year-old is a talented player with a ton of potential.

"Skoronski is widely considered the best overall offensive linemen in the class and has the skill set to step in right away as a plus starter," Brandon Thorn of B/R's NFL Scouting Department said.

Jones and Johnson are both great players as well. Any of these three tackles would provide a boost to New York's offensive line, which is something that is needed.

No. 42 Pick

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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 04: Luke Musgrave of Oregon State participates in the 40-yard dash during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 04, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr.: Luke Musgrave, TE, Oregon State

ESPN's Todd McShay: Joe Tippmann, C, Wisconsin

NFL.com's Chad Reuter: Trade to Green Bay Packers

Why would the Jets take a tight end this early when they still have Tyler Conklin, C.J. Uzomah and Jeremy Ruckert on their roster? Kiper explained his reasoning when he projected New York to go with Musgrave at No. 42.

"I just don't see much upside in the pass game there," he wrote of the Jets' current TE group. "Musgrave is a toolsy, 6-6 tight end with great hands."

Musgrave didn't put up huge numbers during his four-year career at Oregon State, and he was limited to two games last season because of a knee injury. But he flashed his potential for the Beavers and has further improved his stock during the leadup to the draft.

It's not yet known who will play quarterback for New York next season, be it Aaron Rodgers (who could be acquired in a trade with the Packers) or somebody else. But a pass-catching tight end like Musgrave would be a great target for any QB.

No. 43 Pick

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 04: Offensive lineman Joe Tippmann of Wisconsin speaks to the media during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 4, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)

ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr.: Joe Tippmann, C, Wisconsin

ESPN's Todd McShay: Brian Branch, S/CB, Alabama

NFL.com's Chad Reuter: Trade to Green Bay Packers

While McShay had the Jets taking Joe Tippmann at No. 42, Kiper has the former Wisconsin center getting selected by New York at No. 43.

If the 22-year-old goes to the Jets, he may have an immediate starting opportunity, considering Connor McGovern remains a free agent.

Tippmann was the Badgers' starting center over the past two seasons. He was a member of the All-Big Ten honorable-mention team in 2022 and appears poised to keep building on his recent success as he enters the NFL.

However, Brian Branch could also be a solid target for New York in this range. His versatility would be a welcome addition to its secondary, as he may be able to move around and play multiple positions.

Reuter has the Jets trading both the Nos. 42 and 43 picks to the Packers. And that is a strong possibility, should the two teams work out a deal involving Rodgers.