How the Aaron Rodgers trade alters the NY Jets draft plans

Well, it is official! Aaron Rodgers is coming to the NY Jets. With the added pressure of the draft Thursday night, both teams came to their senses and worked out a deal on Monday afternoon, announced by ESPN's Adam Schefter just after 4 pm ET.

As details of the deal emerge, it's time to update the Jets' plans for the 2023 NFL Draft. As reported, the Jets' draft picks have shifted, and as a result, so too might their aims and goals for this year's draft.

The Jets will move from pick 13 to 15 in the first round and also lost pick 42 in the second round this year. The Jets now have picks 15 and 43 in the first two rounds and picks 112, 143, and 170.

With five picks, the Jets will have some decisions to make on draft night, particularly on Days 1 and 2. So, what will they do?

First Round

Having moved from pick 13 to 15 might change the Jets' first-round plans. As discussed in previous articles and mock drafts, the Jets are heavily interested in taking an offensive tackle in the first round. Moving from 13 to 15, although only a slight move, might change who is available.

The Jets appear to be targeting Broderick Jones out of Georgia. Will Jones still be available at 15 now? Since they sent out a fair amount of draft capital, I cannot imagine general manager Joe Douglas moving up anymore to ensure they get the tackle they want. Trading up would be costly.

I think Douglas and ownership will bank on Jones, Peter Skoronski, or Paris Johnson Jr. being on the board at 15 still. If not, I envision a trade back to recoup lost draft capital, regain some picks, and secure a lineman like Darnell Wright later in the first round.

I also think the Jets are now out of the running for Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. In previous mock drafts and opinion pieces, I myself alluded to the possibility of Smith-Njigba, assuming Corey Davis was included in the trade.

Since he was not, I do not see the Jets adding to the core of Corey Davis, Garrett Wilson, Allen Lazard, and Mecole Hardman, plus Denzel Mims, with the other holes on the roster.

I can confidently say that in the first round, the Jets will very likely take an offensive lineman, whether at pick 15 or later in the round. It'll be interesting to see if Douglas will trade down, get back some of the draft capital he just lost, and take Darnell Wright later in the round. He might now be the target for the Jets.