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.

2. NY Jets draft target: Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee

It is possible that the Jets don’t take an offensive tackle in the first round and will still need to address that position here. Getting someone like Darnell Wright would be great for the Jets' offensive tackle depth.

Wright was a top-10 recruit in 2019 and had a productive career at Tennessee. He started his career as the starting right tackle, where he allowed five sacks in over 560 snaps played.

Wright moved to left tackle in 2021 and improved, allowing only three sacks in over 900 snaps. This past season, Wright moved back to the right side and had his best season yet, not allowing a sack in almost 900 snaps.

Wright has real experience at both tackle spots and has gotten better every year. The Jets can use someone like him, even if not to play this season but to develop for the future.

3. NY Jets draft target: Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina

With both Corey Davis and Braxton Berrios looking like potential cap casualties, wide receiver will be a need for the Jets this offseason.

According to SNY's Connor Hughes, the Jets have optimism that Nathaniel Hackett will connect more with Denzel Mims than Mike LaFleur did. Mims is a bigger-bodied receiver like Davis, so maybe they could get someone like Josh Downs to replace Berrios.

Downs has thrived in the slot for North Carolina over the past two seasons. In 2021, Downs had 101 catches for 1,335 yards and eight touchdowns. In 2022, he followed that up with 94 catches for 1,029 yards and 11 touchdowns. Downs also has experience as a punt returner.

Downs had a very productive college career, and with the Jets' need for playmakers on offense and a returner on special teams, he would be a great option in the second round.

4. NY Jets draft target: Siaki Ika, DT, Baylor

The Jets' defensive line is one of the biggest strengths on the team. However, with Sheldon Rankins, Nathan Shepherd, and Solomon Thomas all heading to free agency, it could be a need.

The Jets use a heavy defensive line rotation, and right now, Quinnen Williams and Tanzel Smart are the only interior defensive linemen that are under contract. Siaki Ika could be a good option in the second round.

Ika is a massive defensive tackle, standing at 6-foot-4 and 358 pounds. After transferring to Baylor, he has had two amazing seasons. His best year was in 2021 when he had six sacks and 24 hurries in just over 500 snaps.

5. NY Jets draft target: Isaiah Foskey, Edge, Notre Dame

Similarly to the interior defensive line, the Jets will probably lose some edge depth this offseason. Vinny Curry is a free agent, and Bryce Huff is a restricted free agent, but he will probably be back. However, it is looking like Carl Lawson could be a cap casualty.

The Jets have been reluctant to give Bryce Huff significant snaps and will likely need to add someone else to the rotation with him, John Franklin-Myers, Jermaine Johnson, and Micheal Clemons.

Isaiah Foskey could be a good option in the second round. Over his last two seasons at Notre Dame, Foskey put up impressive numbers. In 2021, he had 11 sacks and 17 hurries. In 2022, he had 12 sacks and 18 hurries.