NY Jets Mock Draft Roundup: Who the experts are taking at No. 13

The 2023 NFL Draft is quickly approaching as the offseason progresses, which means that we're officially at the heart of mock draft season. The NY Jets might be focused on their pursuit of a quarterback at the moment, but this year's draft still could be a pivotal event for the franchise.

Joe Douglas and company landed arguably the best class in last year's draft, adding both Offensive Rookie of the Year Garrett Wilson and Defensive Rookie of the Year Sauce Gardner, as well as OROY favorite, prior to his injury, Breece Hall.

While expecting the same level of success in this year's draft class is probably a bit foolish, especially given that the team has less draft capital, the Jets can still make some serious noise.

The Jets are set to pick No. 13 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, and right now, there is no true consensus as to who they will pick. Let's take a look at four recent mock drafts that all have the Jets going different routes.

Who do the experts have the NY Jets picking in mock drafts?

Daniel Jeremiah (NFL Network) - Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia

Daniel Jeremiah's latest mock draft has the Jets selecting Georgia offensive tackle Broderick Jones with the 13th overall pick. In Jeremiah's scenario, Jones is the third offensive tackle taken behind Northwestern's Peter Skoronski and Ohio State's Paris Johnson Jr. More on them in a moment.

Jones has All-Pro potential with rare physical traits and immense athleticism. He's still a bit raw with just 19 starts under his belt, but Jones should be an early starter who can become one of the best tackles in football in a few years.

"GM Joe Douglas continues to invest in the offensive line. The Jets have been crushed by injuries up front, so it’s imperative that they continue to bolster the unit. Jones has tremendous upside."

Daniel Jeremiah

Nate Davis (USA Today) - Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State

In Nate Davis' mock draft, Ohio State's Paris Johnson Jr. is still on the board. Johnson is my personal favorite tackle prospect in this year's class. The former five-star recruit has experience playing both guard and tackle but projects as a day-one left tackle in the NFL.

He combines excellent size and athleticism with a really solid foundation that gives him both a high ceiling and a relatively high floor. If he's there at 13, the Jets shouldn't waste any time making him their pick.

"It seems a given the NYJ will acquire a veteran quarterback this spring, so it stands to reason they should bolster an offensive line set to lose starting OT George Fant and C Connor McGovern in free agency. Johnson (6-6, 310 pounds) would assume the left tackle job Mekhi Becton hasn't been healthy (or nimble) enough to hold down. If Becton gets on the field in 2023, slot him for the right side."

Nate Davis

Charles McDonald (Yahoo Sports) - Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern

The last of the big-three offensive tackles we haven't discussed yet, Northwestern's Peter Skoronski is considered to be the most NFL-ready lineman in this class. Yahoo Sports' Charles McDonald has the Jets selecting Skoronski two picks after Paris Johnson Jr. went to the Tennessee Titans.

Skoronski is a technically-sound, high IQ, experienced lineman who should have a lengthy NFL career. There are concerns, however, about his length. Can he be a tackle at the next level? If the Jets are drafting him at 13, they likely believe he can.

"The Jets can add some insurance at tackle by picking Skoronski at this point. If Mekhi Becton can get back to moving in the right direction, they would have a kickass tackle duo for the long term."

Charles McDonald

The Athletic NFL Staff - Jets trade for Aaron Rodgers

What if the Jets don't actually end up with a first-round pick? In The Athletic's most recent mock draft, the Jets send the No. 13 overall pick, a conditional 2024 first/second-round pick, and Elijah Moore to the Green Bay Packers for Aaron Rodgers.

It's a steep price to pay, but the Jets land their star quarterback and open up a short-term window in which they can legitimately compete for a Super Bowl.

"Jets general manager Joe Douglas (well, maybe it was team owner Woody Johnson getting desperate) presented Packers GM Brian Gutekunst with an offer he couldn’t refuse. Green Bay will send quarterback Aaron Rodgers to the Jets for the No. 13 pick, a 2024 second-round pick that becomes a first-round pick if Rodgers plays in 2024, and wide receiver Elijah Moore."

The Athletic