NY Jets mock draft: An OL to target in every round of the 2023 NFL Draft

The NY Jets are almost certain to turn to the 2023 NFL Draft as they look to bolster their offensive line this offseason. The team has made a couple of minor additions in free agency, but it's clear that more work needs to be done.

The likes of Wes Schweitzer and Trystan Colon were added to improve the team's offensive line depth. The Jets swung and missed on high-profile additions such as Orlando Brown Jr. and Jake Brendel.

Now, it's evident that the draft might provide the best opportunity for the Jets to address their offensive line needs. They might not only target offensive linemen early, however.

Don't be surprised if the Jets select an offensive lineman in any round of this year's draft. With that in mind, let's take a look at an offensive lineman the Jets can target in each round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

NY Jets Round 1 OL Target: Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State

There is a pretty solidified top three when it comes to offensive tackles in this year's draft class. Georgia's Broderick Jones has steadily been climbing up draft boards. Northwestern's Peter Skoronski is considered to be the most NFL-ready offensive lineman in this draft.

But my personal favorite remains Ohio State's Paris Johnson Jr. Johnson provides the best blend of NFL-ready technique and All-Pro upside, and projects as a day-one starting left tackle in the NFL.

Johnson is a former five-star recruit who started at right guard for the Buckeyes in 2021 before transitioning to left tackle in 2022. The Cincinnati native was named a Consensus All-American in 2022 following a standout junior season.

While reports suggest Jones is the consensus top offensive tackle in this class around the league, Johnson has a higher floor with a similarly high ceiling. He's my preferred target for the Jets in Round 1.

NY Jets Round 2 OL Target: John Michael Schmitz, C, Minnesota

Perhaps it's a bit optimistic to suggest the Jets could land Minnesota center John Michael Schmitz in the second round, but if he's on the board when the Jets select at pick 42 or 43, don't expect the Jets to hesitate.

Schmitz is widely considered to be the best center in this year's class. A three-year starter, Schmitz blends an NFL-ready skill set, an experienced collegiate career, and ample athleticism.

The Jets have been doing their homework on Schmitz in the pre-draft process. They met with him at the Senior Bowl, the NFL Combine, and his Minnesota pro day and hosted him on an official top-30 visit.

The team's interest in Schmitz is evident, and he may very well be their preferred center option for 2023. If he's on the board in the second round, I find it hard to believe the Jets will pass on the opportunity to select him.

NY Jets Round 3 OL Target: Luke Wypler, C, Ohio State

If the Jets are unable to land Schmitz, there are a few other centers they could target. One such individual is Ohio State's Luke Wypler, another projected Day 2 pick in this year's draft.

A native of New Jersey, Wypler grew up a massive Jets fan. He named his dog after Mark Sanchez and wore the jersey number of his idol and fellow Ohio State alumnus, Nick Mangold, in high school.

Wypler was a two-year starter at Ohio State, earning third-team All-Big Ten honors in his final collegiate season. Like Schmitz, Wypler is a strong athlete who projects best in a zone-blocking scheme where he can best utilize his impressive athleticism.

The Jets selected a local childhood Jets fan in last year's draft. Perhaps they do the same again this year.

NY Jets Round 4 OL Target: Nick Saldiveri, OT/OG, Old Dominion

Once you get into Day 3, the approach changes from looking for potential day-one starters to targeting possible developmental backups. That said, Old Dominion's Nick Saldiveri is a high-floor prospect who can legitimately compete for a starting job early in his career.

A three-year starter, Saldiveri primarily played right tackle in college, although he has experience playing guard as well. That's where he might mind his most success in the NFL.

Saldiveri is a refined pass blocker who ranked third in overall athleticism out of all guards at the NFL Combine, per NFL Next Gen Stats. That athleticism should allow him to find success out in space and in a zone-blocking scheme at the next level.

I like Saldiveri as an excellent depth lineman for the Jets, who has the versatility to play either tackle or guard. A rock-solid early Day 3 target for a team that could really use some offensive line depth.

NY Jets Round 5 OL Target: Tyler Steen, OT, Alabama

Tyler Steen began his career as a defensive lineman at Vanderbilt before transitioning to the offensive side of the ball. After starting over 30 career games at Vanderbilt, Steen joined Alabama as a graduate transfer in 2022.

He immediately earned the starting left tackle job and would go on to be named second-team All-SEC in his senior season. At 6-foot-5, 315 pounds, Steen is one of the most athletic tackles in this year's class.

Steen is a developmental tackle prospect through and through. His combination of size, speed, and athleticism gives him a very high ceiling, although his technical ability is still a work in progress.

There aren't many offensive line prospects with ceilings like Steen still available at this stage of the draft. If he's on the board in the fifth round, the Jets should seriously consider adding him to their tackle room.

NY Jets Round 6 OL Target: Jake Andrews, OG/C, Troy

The Jets already added two interior depth pieces in free agency in Wes Schweitzer and Trystan Colon, but if they're looking to the draft for some interior offensive line depth, Jake Andrews could be good value.

A three-year starter, Andrews has experience playing all three interior offensive line positions. He started at both left and right guard early in his career before making the switch to center as a senior.

Andrews lacks top-tier physical traits and will probably never be anything more than a fringe starter at the next level, but his experience and versatility should allow him to be a solid depth option early in his career.

Ideally, you'd want Andrews to develop into a Dan Feeney type of player — a fringe starter with the versatility to competently play all three interior offensive line positions.

NY Jets Round 7 OL Target: Kilian Zierer, OT, Auburn

The Jets don't currently possess a seventh-round pick (much like they don't have a third-round pick), but there's always a possibility the team moves around in the draft. If they end up with a seventh-round pick, Auburn's Kilian Zierer could be a fun prospect to target.

A native of Munich, Germany, Zierer originally attended the College of the Canyons, a community college in southern California, before transferring to Auburn.

At 6-foot-7, 298 pounds, Zierer is a fantastic athlete for a man his size, although his lack of mass and play strength are significant obstacles to overcome. His height is simultaneously an advantage and disadvantage when it comes to sealing the edge.

Zierer is a high-upside developmental project, who has the physical traits to become a future starter, but he'll likely have to put on some weight and improve his anchor. Not a bad find in the seventh round, though.