5 early contenders for the NY Jets second-round pick in 2023

Over the last two drafts, the NY Jets have made two selections before most teams have even made one, thanks to the Jamal Adams trade. That changes this year, as their second selection won’t be until pick 43.

Even though it could be tough to get a player of Garrett Wilson's or Alijah Vera-Tucker’s caliber with their second pick this year, there will still be some great talent on the board. Here are five early contenders for the Jets' second-round pick in 2023.

1. NY Jets draft target: John Michael Schmitz, C, Minnesota

Jets center Connor McGovern is set to be a free agent this offseason, and the team could look to replace him with Minnesota standout John Michael Schmitz.

Schmitz is a big-bodied center at 6-foot-4 inches, 320 pounds, and has excelled as Minnesota’s starting center over the past two seasons. Over two seasons and over 1,600 offensive snaps, Schmitz allowed just two sacks. 

Interestingly, Pro Football Focus compares Schmitz to Tennessee Titans center Ben Jones. The Jets just hired Keith Carter, who spent the past five years as the Titans' offensive line coach, as their offensive line coach and run game coordinator.

Schmitz is an older prospect, will be 24 as a rookie, but is a plug-and-play starting center. If the Jets can get an offensive tackle in the first round and Schmitz in the second round, that would go a long way toward fixing the offensive line.