NY Jets trade for Aaron Rodgers in 7-round 2023 NFL Mock Draft

Round 5, 145 Overall, NY Jets: Ronnie Bell, WR, Michigan

Wide receiver might not seem like the biggest need for the Jets on paper, but that could change in a hurry. The Jets are expected to cut veteran wideout Corey Davis, and Braxton Berrios could be next.

Both Davis and Berrios make sense as potential cap casualties for the Jets, leaving the team with a trio of Garrett Wilson, Elijah Moore, and Denzel Mims. It's safe to say that the Jets are likely to add a wide receiver this offseason.

That could come in free agency with players like Allen Lazard and JuJu Smith-Schuster having been connected to the Jets in rumors. Or the team could look to target a wide receiver in the draft.

One Day 3 prospect who stands out to me is Michigan's Ronnie Bell. Bell was Michigan's leading receiver in three seasons with the Wolverines, and it could have been four had he not had his 2021 season ended after one game due to a knee injury.

At 6-foot, 192 pounds, Bell is a well-rounded route-runner who possesses the speed and athleticism to make plays after the catch often. We saw that out of Bell a lot more often prior to 2021, however.

Bell's 2022 tape isn't littered with as many explosive plays, and it seems as though he was still recovering from his knee injury the prior year. If he can return to the dynamic playmaker he was prior to that injury, Bell could be an early contributor in the NFL.

Bell's frame isn't large and he struggles to make contested catches. His catch radius isn't exactly very large and he's much more of a run-and-catch receiver. That said, he is a willing blocker who provides value in the running game.

The Jets could target Bell on Day 3 with the hope that he can be an early WR3 or WR4 in their offense. His speed and crafty route-running make him an excellent fit in their West Coast offense.