Broderick Jones is 'most likely' pick for the NY Jets at No. 13

The NY Jets have been connected to a number of top prospects in the lead-up to the 2023 NFL Draft, but perhaps none more so than Georgia offensive tackle Broderick Jones.

Jones has been a frequent pick for the Jets at pick No. 13 in mock drafts, and as we approach this year's draft, it seems as though he's the odds-on favorite to be the team's selection in the first round.

ESPN's Rich Cimini reported Monday morning that Jones is the "most likely pick for Jets at 13." Cimini noted that this scenario assumes that Ohio State offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr. is already off the board — a scenario that has seemed increasingly likely.

The report also stated that the Jets could trade down and select a player like Tennessee's Darnell Wright if the top three offensive tackles (Jones, Johnson, Peter Skoronski) were all off the board by the time the Jets selected at pick 13.

Cimini did insist that he isn't "buying the Jaxon Smith-Njigba buzz." He doesn't believe the Jets will draft a wide receiver in the first round.

Broderick Jones would be a boom-or-bust draft pick for the NY Jets

At 6-foot-5, 311 pounds, Jones has prototypical size and athleticism for the offensive tackle position. He possesses excellent lateral mobility with the finishing ability of an absolute mauler in the run game.

Jones' highlight reel is reminiscent of Mekhi Becton's from Louisville — violent, punishing blocks out in open space. The 21-year-old has no issues climbing to the second level with ample athleticism to fit in with the Jets' zone-blocking scheme.

That said, there are legitimate concerns about Jones' floor as a prospect. He has just one full year of starting experience under his belt, and that inexperience shows up on tape.

Jones has a tendency to overextend on blocks, and his overall technique needs a lot of work. He lacks refinement and doesn't have experience playing any position outside of left tackle.

The Jets would be swinging for the fences with Jones with the hope that he could become the next great left tackle out of Georgia. Ideally, he could even sit behind Duane Brown at left tackle early in his career.

Personally, I'd prefer the likes of Paris Johnson Jr. and Peter Skoronski — who the Jets reportedly see as a tackle — over Jones, but in the scenario that Johnson is off the board, the Georgia standout might just be the pick.

Don't be surprised if the Jets shoot for upside with Broderick Jones in this week's 2023 NFL Draft.