The New York Jets don’t know who will be the starting quarterback in 2023. But whoever that is, he will have a shiny, new toy to play with, according to ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr., who’s out with his initial first-round mock for the 2023 NFL Draft.
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In four of the last five years, the Jets have picked in the top five. But this year, they sit at No. 13 and are projected to select Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
I’m a big fan of Smith-Njigba, and I think he could be a star in the right situation. New York likely will have a new starting quarterback in 2023, and that passer will have to get support around him. This offense has a chance to be much improved. The Jets had a stellar draft last year; Smith-Njigba would be a great start for this one. And yes, I know, this makes back-to-back top-15 picks on receivers for the Jets, but Smith-Njigba is worth it because of what he and Wilson can do together.
Last year, the Jets used the No. 4 pick overall on Sauce Gardner, who’s the leading contender for Defensive Rookie of the Year. At No. 10, New York added wide receiver Garrett Wilson, who’s the leading contender for Offensive Rookie of the Year.
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In his final mock before the 2022 NFL Draft, Kiper ended up correctly predicting four selections, including three of the top four picks.
1. DE Travon Walker, Jacksonville Jaguars
2. DE Aidan Hutchinson, Detroit Lions
4. CB Ahmad Gardner, New York Jets
24. OT Tyler Smith, Dallas Cowboys
He also received partial credit for four selections.
11. WR Chris Olave, New Orleans Saints (Kiper predicted he would go to Washington at No. 11)
19. OT Trevor Pennington, Saints (Kiper predicted he would go to New Orleans at No. 16)
23. CB Kaiir Elam, Buffalo Bills (Kiper predicted he would go to Buffalo at No. 25)
32. S Lewis Cine, Minnesota Vikings (Kiper predicted he would go to Detroit at No. 32)
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Mike Rosenstein may be reached at mrosenstein@njadvancemedia.com.
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