20 players the NY Jets could target on Day 3 of the 2023 NFL Draft
By Justin Fried
![NY Jets, DeWayne McBride NY Jets, DeWayne McBride](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_5100,h_2868,x_0,y_99/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/GettyImages/mmsport/30/01gz5m8n355s1m5ewhpt.jpg)
18. Parker Washington, WR, Penn State
The Jets might look to add to their wide receiver room on Day 3, and if they do, I'd expect the team to target more of a slot guy. Penn State's Parker Washington could be a player to keep an eye on.
Washington stands at just 5-foot-9, 204 pounds, but he's built well and is a developed route runner. If the Jets are looking for a nice complement to Mecole Hardman in the slot, Washington makes a lot of sense.
17. Owen Pappoe, LB, Auburn
Robert Saleh loves his undersized linebackers, and at 6-foot, 225 pounds, Owen Pappoe certainly fits the bill. Pappoe is a twitched-up athlete who started all four years as the MIKE linebacker at Auburn.
The natural instincts may not be there, but Pappoe has gotten better every year and should immediately be an early contributor on special teams. He's an athletic developmental linebacker prospect.
16. Blake Freeland, OT, BYU
The Jets already added one offensive lineman, but that doesn't mean they won't look to draft another one on Day 3. If they're hoping to address their tackle depth, BYU's Blake Freeland could be on their radar.
At 6-foot-7, 302 pounds, Freeland has excellent size and length for the position. There are legitimate concerns about Freeland's play strength, but his length, footwork, and versatility (experience playing both tackle spots) warrant consideration early on Day 3.
15. Israel Abanikanda, RB, Pittsburgh
The Jets were reportedly eyeing Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs in the first round, and even if you aren't willing to believe that, the team has shown quite a bit of interest in running backs in the pre-draft process.
One potential Day 3 is Pittsburgh's Israel Abanikanda. A Brooklyn native, Abanikanda is a classic one-cut back with excellent vision and acceleration. He would be a great fit in an already-talented Jets running back room.