NY Jets 'most likely' outcome is to draft an OT at No. 13

The 2023 NFL Draft is fast approaching, and the NY Jets have a number of different routes they can explore. Assuming they don't give up the No. 13 overall pick in the eventual Aaron Rodgers trade — which seems likely — the team will possess a very valuable asset.

That 13th overall pick could be used to address a variety of different positions, but one position seems to be the odds-on favorite. And it's the position people have been speculating about for months.

The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt reported on Friday that drafting an offensive tackle in the first round remains "the most likely outcome at No. 13." Rosenblatt emphasized that this is the case, "especially if one of the draft’s top three prospects at tackle falls to them."

The three top prospects being referred to are Georgia's Broderick Jones, Ohio State's Paris Johnson Jr., and Northwestern's Peter Skoronski. The consensus seems to be that if one of those three is available at pick 13, the Jets won't hesitate.

Drafting an offensive tackle makes sense for the NY Jets, but it does pose questions

It's no surprise to see that the Jets are interested in drafting an offensive tackle. The team heavily pursued Orlando Brown Jr. before he opted to sign with the Cincinnati Bengals. They're clearly in the tackle market.

Drafting an offensive tackle in the first round would certainly go a long way toward improving the Jets' offensive line, but it would raise some questions about the current state of the unit.

Duane Brown is back and expected to be the starter at left tackle. Mekhi Becton is the presumed starter at right tackle for now. Where does a rookie fit in?

Would the Jets really consider having Brown and his $11 million salary on the bench? And as for Becton, are they ready to give up on him as a starter already, especially after all the work he's put in this offseason?

Someone will be the odd man out if the Jets draft an offensive tackle at pick 13. That's not necessarily a bad thing — after all, having offensive line depth is important — but it does complicate matters.

One could suggest that addressing a position like defensive tackle, safety, center, or even wide receiver would provide a more clear path to playing time for the rookie. The Jets are all in on 2023, after all. They don't want their top draft pick sitting on the bench.

Drafting an offensive tackle at pick No. 13 does make sense for the Jets, and it does seem like the most likely outcome, but that doesn't mean it's a perfect plan.