NFL Draft Grades - New York Jets
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New York Jets Upcoming 2023 Draft Picks (5)
2023
Pick 15. (R:1 P:15) -
Will McDonald, DE, Iowa State
Grade: D
Wow, what a reach! The Jets wanted Darnell Wright, Peter Skoronski, and Broderick Jones, and all of them went off the board at 10, 11, and 14, respectively. The poor Jets then had to panic and go for Will McDonald, who was widely considered a second-round prospect. I like McDonald, and getting a pass rusher seems significant in the passing-stacked AFC, so I'm not going to fail the Jets. However, the Jets should have been able to trade down 10-15 spots. They could have gotten McDonald in the 20s.
Grade: D
Wow, what a reach! The Jets wanted Darnell Wright, Peter Skoronski, and Broderick Jones, and all of them went off the board at 10, 11, and 14, respectively. The poor Jets then had to panic and go for Will McDonald, who was widely considered a second-round prospect. I like McDonald, and getting a pass rusher seems significant in the passing-stacked AFC, so I'm not going to fail the Jets. However, the Jets should have been able to trade down 10-15 spots. They could have gotten McDonald in the 20s.
2023
Pick 43. (R:2 P:12) -
Joe Tippman, G/C, Wisconsin
Grade: A
The Jets finally get their offensive lineman. They missed out on all the tackles in the opening round, but they still obtained a prospect who could have been chosen at the end of the opening frame. Joe Tippman can play center and guard, so he'll be extremely helpful in a potential Super Bowl run. Aaron Rodgers has to be happy about this.
Grade: A
The Jets finally get their offensive lineman. They missed out on all the tackles in the opening round, but they still obtained a prospect who could have been chosen at the end of the opening frame. Joe Tippman can play center and guard, so he'll be extremely helpful in a potential Super Bowl run. Aaron Rodgers has to be happy about this.
2023
Pick 112. (R:4 P:10) - Chad Ryland, K, Maryland
Grade: NUTS MILLEN
Not only did the Patriots waste a fourth-round pick on a kicker; they traded up for one! This is a Millen grade, through and through. Kickers should be chosen in the late rounds, and no one should ever trade up for one.
Grade: NUTS MILLEN
Not only did the Patriots waste a fourth-round pick on a kicker; they traded up for one! This is a Millen grade, through and through. Kickers should be chosen in the late rounds, and no one should ever trade up for one.
2023
Pick 143. (R:5 P:8) - Israel Abanikanda, RB, Pittsburgh
Grade: C
Jahmyr Gibbs was the Jets' Plan D in the first round, as there are some major concerns with Breece Hall's knee injury. The Jets eventually got their runner, but Israel Abanikanda is an underwhelming, late-round prospect.
Grade: C
Jahmyr Gibbs was the Jets' Plan D in the first round, as there are some major concerns with Breece Hall's knee injury. The Jets eventually got their runner, but Israel Abanikanda is an underwhelming, late-round prospect.
2023
Pick 170. (R:5 P:35) - Christopher Smith, S, Georgia
Grade: B
The Raiders snatched a Georgia player away from the Eagles. Christopher Smith was very productive at Georgia, but possesses limited athleticism and upside. Still, he could emerge as a starter down the road.
Grade: B
The Raiders snatched a Georgia player away from the Eagles. Christopher Smith was very productive at Georgia, but possesses limited athleticism and upside. Still, he could emerge as a starter down the road.
Walt's Mock Selections as of 6/6/2023 -View Current Mock Draft
Round: 1
New York Jets: Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee
Mekhi Becton has been a huge disappointment, so the Jets may use this pick to find a new offensive tackle.
Darnell Wright didn't allow a single sack to Hendon Hooker last year.
*** OTHER 2023 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***
1. Peter Skoronski/Broderick Jones, OLs - The other tackle options make sense for the Jets, though a bit less so with Peter Skoronski, who is too much like Alijah Vera-Tucker.
2. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR - The thought of reuniting Jaxon Smith-Njigba with Garrett Wilson has to excite the Jets, who wanted to sign Odell Beckham.
Round: 2
New York Jets: Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas
The Jets struggle to defend the middle of the field, so they'll be interested in a second-day linebacker with their new Round 2 pick.
Drew Sanders has an excellent blend of size and athleticism.
Round: 4
New York Jets: Max Duggan, QB, TCU
The Jets may want to acquire a young quarterback to compete with Zach Wilson to be Aaron Rodgers' potential successor.
Max Duggan is a smart and tough quarterback who has a better arm than people give him credit for.
Round: 5
New York Jets: Dontay Demus Jr., WR, Maryland
The Jets are still looking for a receiver, and they could draft one if they don't sign Odell Beckham.
Dontay Demus Jr. suffered a season-ending torn ACL in October 2021, but could still be a second-day pick because of his size (6-3) and athleticism.
Round: 5
New York Jets: Jason Taylor, S, Oklahoma State
The Jets need to make sure they fix their safety situation, which is one of their few weaknesses.
Jason Taylor was one of the top performers at the combine among the safeties, both in the workout numbers and on-field drills.
Past Grades and Selections
2023 NFL Draft Selections and Grades
2023
Pick 15. (R:1 P:15) -
Will McDonald, DE, Iowa State
D Wow, what a reach! The Jets wanted Darnell Wright, Peter Skoronski, and Broderick Jones, and all of them went off the board at 10, 11, and 14, respectively. The poor Jets then had to panic and go for Will McDonald, who was widely considered a second-round prospect. I like McDonald, and getting a pass rusher seems significant in the passing-stacked AFC, so I'm not going to fail the Jets. However, the Jets should have been able to trade down 10-15 spots. They could have gotten McDonald in the 20s.
D Wow, what a reach! The Jets wanted Darnell Wright, Peter Skoronski, and Broderick Jones, and all of them went off the board at 10, 11, and 14, respectively. The poor Jets then had to panic and go for Will McDonald, who was widely considered a second-round prospect. I like McDonald, and getting a pass rusher seems significant in the passing-stacked AFC, so I'm not going to fail the Jets. However, the Jets should have been able to trade down 10-15 spots. They could have gotten McDonald in the 20s.
2023
Pick 43. (R:2 P:12) -
Joe Tippman, G/C, Wisconsin
A The Jets finally get their offensive lineman. They missed out on all the tackles in the opening round, but they still obtained a prospect who could have been chosen at the end of the opening frame. Joe Tippman can play center and guard, so he'll be extremely helpful in a potential Super Bowl run. Aaron Rodgers has to be happy about this.
A The Jets finally get their offensive lineman. They missed out on all the tackles in the opening round, but they still obtained a prospect who could have been chosen at the end of the opening frame. Joe Tippman can play center and guard, so he'll be extremely helpful in a potential Super Bowl run. Aaron Rodgers has to be happy about this.
2023
Pick 112. (R:4 P:10) - Chad Ryland, K, Maryland
NUTS MILLEN Not only did the Patriots waste a fourth-round pick on a kicker; they traded up for one! This is a Millen grade, through and through. Kickers should be chosen in the late rounds, and no one should ever trade up for one.
NUTS MILLEN Not only did the Patriots waste a fourth-round pick on a kicker; they traded up for one! This is a Millen grade, through and through. Kickers should be chosen in the late rounds, and no one should ever trade up for one.
2023
Pick 143. (R:5 P:8) - Israel Abanikanda, RB, Pittsburgh
C Jahmyr Gibbs was the Jets' Plan D in the first round, as there are some major concerns with Breece Hall's knee injury. The Jets eventually got their runner, but Israel Abanikanda is an underwhelming, late-round prospect.
C Jahmyr Gibbs was the Jets' Plan D in the first round, as there are some major concerns with Breece Hall's knee injury. The Jets eventually got their runner, but Israel Abanikanda is an underwhelming, late-round prospect.
2023
Pick 170. (R:5 P:35) - Christopher Smith, S, Georgia
B The Raiders snatched a Georgia player away from the Eagles. Christopher Smith was very productive at Georgia, but possesses limited athleticism and upside. Still, he could emerge as a starter down the road.
B The Raiders snatched a Georgia player away from the Eagles. Christopher Smith was very productive at Georgia, but possesses limited athleticism and upside. Still, he could emerge as a starter down the road.
2022 NFL Draft Selections and Grades
2022 New York Jets - Prospect:TBD
2022
Pick 10. (R:1 P:10) -
Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
A- Grade
A team told me they were convinced Garrett Wilson would go in the top eight. This isn't incredible value, but it's certainly very good value. It could be argued that Wilson is the top receiver in this class, and the Jets needed to do everything in their power to make sure Zach Wilson has as much help as possible.
A- Grade
A team told me they were convinced Garrett Wilson would go in the top eight. This isn't incredible value, but it's certainly very good value. It could be argued that Wilson is the top receiver in this class, and the Jets needed to do everything in their power to make sure Zach Wilson has as much help as possible.
2022
Pick 26. (R:1 P:26) -
Jermaine Johnson, DE, Florida State
A+ Grade - A+ Grade
What is this, my Backward Mock Draft? How did Jermaine Johnson fall this far? There were some reports out there that Jets were considering Johnson at No. 4 - incorrect, but still - and yet they were able to land him at No. 26, which is insane. Johnson is a top 10-caliber player and fills a huge need. He has character concerns, but there was just way too much value to pass on him after moving up. This is an A+ grade.
A+ Grade - A+ Grade
What is this, my Backward Mock Draft? How did Jermaine Johnson fall this far? There were some reports out there that Jets were considering Johnson at No. 4 - incorrect, but still - and yet they were able to land him at No. 26, which is insane. Johnson is a top 10-caliber player and fills a huge need. He has character concerns, but there was just way too much value to pass on him after moving up. This is an A+ grade.
2022
Pick 36. (R:2 P:4) -
Breece Hall, RB, Iowa State
A Grade
The Jets are having a terrific draft. They had a need at running back, as Michael Carter can't be a full-time back. Breece Hall will be a terrific weapon for Zach Wilson, both as a runner and a receiver out of the backfield. The Jets traded up for him, but had to do so because the Texans easily could've chosen Hall.
A Grade
The Jets are having a terrific draft. They had a need at running back, as Michael Carter can't be a full-time back. Breece Hall will be a terrific weapon for Zach Wilson, both as a runner and a receiver out of the backfield. The Jets traded up for him, but had to do so because the Texans easily could've chosen Hall.
2022
Pick 101. (R:3 P:37) -
Jeremy Ruckert, TE, Ohio State
C Grade
The Jets added C.J. Uzomah and Tyler Conklin this offseason, so I'm not sure why they needed to spend a significant draft choice on Jeremy Ruckert. The Ohio State product belongs in this range or a bit later, so I don't hate this pick, but I would've liked to have seen Joe Douglas address one of his many other needs.
C Grade
The Jets added C.J. Uzomah and Tyler Conklin this offseason, so I'm not sure why they needed to spend a significant draft choice on Jeremy Ruckert. The Ohio State product belongs in this range or a bit later, so I don't hate this pick, but I would've liked to have seen Joe Douglas address one of his many other needs.
2022
Pick 111. (R:4 P:6) - Max Mitchell, OT, La.-Lafayette
B+ Grade
Max Mitchell is a solid tackle prospect I've had in the fourth round of my mock drafts on a consistent basis. With the Jets having issues with Mekhi Becton - he reportedly weighed in at 400 pounds recently - it would make sense for them to obtain some insurance.
B+ Grade
Max Mitchell is a solid tackle prospect I've had in the fourth round of my mock drafts on a consistent basis. With the Jets having issues with Mekhi Becton - he reportedly weighed in at 400 pounds recently - it would make sense for them to obtain some insurance.
2022
Pick 117. (R:4 P:12) -
Micheal Clemons, DE, Texas A&M
B+ Grade
I like this gamble for the Jets, and I'm not surprised Joe Douglas made this pick. Micheal Clemons is a bit of a raw player, but has high upside. He could easily fizzle out, or he could become a solid edge rusher for the Jets. New York needs as many pass rushers as it could get.
B+ Grade
I like this gamble for the Jets, and I'm not surprised Joe Douglas made this pick. Micheal Clemons is a bit of a raw player, but has high upside. He could easily fizzle out, or he could become a solid edge rusher for the Jets. New York needs as many pass rushers as it could get.
2021 NFL Draft Selections and Grades
2021
Pick 2. (R:1 P:2) -
Zach Wilson, QB, BYU
B Grade
Zach Wilson has been locked into the Jets for quite some time, but that doesn't mean that this grade is a slam-dunk A+ like the Jaguars' selection of Trevor Lawrence. There's a ton to like about Wilson, given that he's such a great talent with immense upside. However, Wilson is a one-year wonder and doesn't have much experience against top-level competition. Some people in the NFL also questioned Wilson's character. From the outside looking in, I may have preferred Justin Fields, but the Jets are probably getting a winner in Wilson.
B Grade
Zach Wilson has been locked into the Jets for quite some time, but that doesn't mean that this grade is a slam-dunk A+ like the Jaguars' selection of Trevor Lawrence. There's a ton to like about Wilson, given that he's such a great talent with immense upside. However, Wilson is a one-year wonder and doesn't have much experience against top-level competition. Some people in the NFL also questioned Wilson's character. From the outside looking in, I may have preferred Justin Fields, but the Jets are probably getting a winner in Wilson.
2021
Pick 14. (R:1 P:14) -
Alijah Vera-Tucker, OT/G, USC
C Grade
I'm torn on this pick. On one hand, the Jets gave up a pair of third-round picks to move up for a guard. On the other hand, as I wrote above, I'm all for teams strengthening the offensive line for a young quarterback. Protecting Zach Wilson is paramount, but couldn't the Jets have obtained a solid offensive lineman at No. 23? Guards can be found all over the draft, so giving up many resources for one doesn't seem like a great decision.
C Grade
I'm torn on this pick. On one hand, the Jets gave up a pair of third-round picks to move up for a guard. On the other hand, as I wrote above, I'm all for teams strengthening the offensive line for a young quarterback. Protecting Zach Wilson is paramount, but couldn't the Jets have obtained a solid offensive lineman at No. 23? Guards can be found all over the draft, so giving up many resources for one doesn't seem like a great decision.
2021
Pick 23. (R:1 P:23) -
Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech
B Grade
How can you not like this value for the Vikings? I thought Christian Darrisaw would be their pick at No. 14 if Rashawn Slater happened to be off the board. He's long and athletic, which is exactly what Minnesota looks for from its offensive linemen. However, several teams told us that there's "something missing with Darrisaw." Some teams think he lacks toughness, which would worry me. Still, this is a good value selection.
B Grade
How can you not like this value for the Vikings? I thought Christian Darrisaw would be their pick at No. 14 if Rashawn Slater happened to be off the board. He's long and athletic, which is exactly what Minnesota looks for from its offensive linemen. However, several teams told us that there's "something missing with Darrisaw." Some teams think he lacks toughness, which would worry me. Still, this is a good value selection.
2021
Pick 34. (R:2 P:2) -
Elijah Moore, WR, Ole Miss
B Grade
I've had Elijah Moore in the third round for a while, but moved him up late in the process. I still think this is a bit high for him, as Moore will be limited to the slot. It's a bit of an odd fit for the Jets, but there's no doubt that the Jets needed help at receiver, with their top player at the position being the underwhelming and inconsistent Corey Davis.
B Grade
I've had Elijah Moore in the third round for a while, but moved him up late in the process. I still think this is a bit high for him, as Moore will be limited to the slot. It's a bit of an odd fit for the Jets, but there's no doubt that the Jets needed help at receiver, with their top player at the position being the underwhelming and inconsistent Corey Davis.
2021
Pick 66. (R:3 P:2) -
Kellen Mond, QB, Texas A&M
B+ Grade
Kellen Mond's accruacy is a concern, but he's a strong-armed quarterback with plenty of upside. Kirk Cousins is overrated and overpaid, so he doesn't seem like he can consistently lead the Vikings deep into the playoffs. The Vikings will be hoping that Mond can overtake him in 2022, which will allow Minnesota to get out of Cousins' albatross of a contract.
B+ Grade
Kellen Mond's accruacy is a concern, but he's a strong-armed quarterback with plenty of upside. Kirk Cousins is overrated and overpaid, so he doesn't seem like he can consistently lead the Vikings deep into the playoffs. The Vikings will be hoping that Mond can overtake him in 2022, which will allow Minnesota to get out of Cousins' albatross of a contract.
2021
Pick 86. (R:3 P:22) -
Wyatt Davis, G, Ohio State
B+ Grade
The Vikings are doing a good job of bolstering their offensive line, which is something they sorely needed to do. Wyatt Davis has some trouble with interior speed rushes, but he's a powerful blocker who will blast open huge running lanes for Dalvin Cook. I had Wyatt Davis at the end of the second round, so I like this value.
B+ Grade
The Vikings are doing a good job of bolstering their offensive line, which is something they sorely needed to do. Wyatt Davis has some trouble with interior speed rushes, but he's a powerful blocker who will blast open huge running lanes for Dalvin Cook. I had Wyatt Davis at the end of the second round, so I like this value.
2021
Pick 107. (R:4 P:2) - Michael Carter, RB, North Carolina
A Grade
The Jets had absolutely nothing at running back entering the draft, unless you count Tevin Coleman, which I don't. Michael Carter was excellent in the Senior Bowl, so I thought there was a chance he could sneak into Day 2. This is great value.
A Grade
The Jets had absolutely nothing at running back entering the draft, unless you count Tevin Coleman, which I don't. Michael Carter was excellent in the Senior Bowl, so I thought there was a chance he could sneak into Day 2. This is great value.
2021
Pick 146. (R:5 P:2) - Jamien Sherwood, S, Auburn
D Grade
Jamal Adams is gone, but Jamien Sherwood is probably not going to be the guy to replace him. Sherwood is a bad athlete, and it could be argued that he may have to move to linebacker. I didn't have him as a draftable prospect.
D Grade
Jamal Adams is gone, but Jamien Sherwood is probably not going to be the guy to replace him. Sherwood is a bad athlete, and it could be argued that he may have to move to linebacker. I didn't have him as a draftable prospect.
2021
Pick 154. (R:5 P:10) - Michael Carter, RB, North Carolina
D Grade
Did the Jets just become the first team to draft two players with the same name in the same draft? That fact is more interesting than this prospect. Michael Carter is not a very good athlete, and I didn't have him in any of my mock drafts. The Jets have made some dubious defensive back picks lately.
D Grade
Did the Jets just become the first team to draft two players with the same name in the same draft? That fact is more interesting than this prospect. Michael Carter is not a very good athlete, and I didn't have him in any of my mock drafts. The Jets have made some dubious defensive back picks lately.
2021
Pick 186. (R:6 P:2) - Hamsah Nasirildeen, S, Florida State
A Grade
How many defensive backs are the Jets going to draft on Day 3? I don't blame them for making this pick though. Hamsah Nasirildeen is someone who was a constant presence in the third round of my mock draft, but that changed late when we learned that one team flunked his medical. The sixth round is a great time to take a chance on him, however.
A Grade
How many defensive backs are the Jets going to draft on Day 3? I don't blame them for making this pick though. Hamsah Nasirildeen is someone who was a constant presence in the third round of my mock draft, but that changed late when we learned that one team flunked his medical. The sixth round is a great time to take a chance on him, however.
2021
Pick 226. (R:6 P:42) -
Trey Smith, OT, Tennessee
A+ Grade
This is the steal of the draft. I don't know if Trey Smith will be able to play much in the NFL, but if he does, he could be an All-Pro. If Trey Smith didn't have injury concerns, he would've been a top-10 pick in this draft. Unfortunately, major injuries derailed his career. However, there's always a chance he could recover, so I like the Chiefs shooting for the stars with this selection.
A+ Grade
This is the steal of the draft. I don't know if Trey Smith will be able to play much in the NFL, but if he does, he could be an All-Pro. If Trey Smith didn't have injury concerns, he would've been a top-10 pick in this draft. Unfortunately, major injuries derailed his career. However, there's always a chance he could recover, so I like the Chiefs shooting for the stars with this selection.