NY Jets trade for Lamar Jackson in 7-round 2023 NFL Mock Draft

Let's get one thing straight before we begin. I don't think the NY Jets are going to trade for Lamar Jackson. This is purely a thought exercise — what could their 2023 NFL Draft class look like if they traded for Jackson?

It seems more and more likely as the days and weeks go on that Jackson could be moved this offseason. If he becomes available soon, the Jets will absolutely be interested, but timing remains the biggest obstacle.

The Jets aren't going to sit around and wait until April or May for Jackson to possibly become available. They're likely going to figure out their quarterback situation within the next couple of weeks.

Still, what if the Jets did trade for Jackson? What would a trade package look like? How would they use their remaining draft picks in 2023? Those are the questions we set out to answer with the help of Pro Football Network's mock simulator.

The NY Jets trade for Lamar Jackson

This is probably the bare minimum that it would take to land Lamar Jackson, and I wouldn't be surprised if it cost more. The going rate for a young franchise quarterback is roughly three first-round picks, so this is the best the Jets can do without dipping into 2025 draft capital.

The Jets send both of their first and second-round picks in 2023 and 2024 to the Ravens in exchange for the player they hope will lead their organization for the next decade.

The Ravens can then use those draft assets to acquire a replacement for Jackson in the draft, possibly someone like Ohio State's C.J. Stroud. It's not an ideal scenario for Baltimore, but this only happens if Jackson forces their hand.

The Ravens don't want to trade their star QB, but he could force his way out if an extension isn't agreed to this offseason. This is one trade scenario that could possibly get a deal done.

Round 3, 74th Overall, NY Jets: Matthew Bergeron, OT, Syracuse

Without a first or second-round pick, the Jets are forced to make any major offseason additions in free agency. That means the four remaining players the Jets will add in the draft probably shouldn't be viewed as instant day-one starters.

That said, Syracuse offensive tackle Matthew Bergeron has the ability to play early in his career if need be. A four-year starter at Syracuse, Bergeron has seen extensive playing time at both left and right tackle, starting his career at right tackle before switching sides in 2020.

At 6-foot-5, 320 pounds, Bergeron moves very well for a person his size and would be a good fit in a zone-blocking scheme in the NFL. He isn't the most powerful finisher, and he might never be a great run blocker, but Bergeron is technically sound and athletic enough to stick at tackle at the next level.

Bergeron could come in and compete for a starting job right away with the floor of being a solid swing tackle for the Jets. That's exactly what they need.

Round 4, 112th Overall, NY Jets: Daiyan Henley, LB, Washington State

Daiyan Henley is one of the most unique prospects in this year's draft. A former two-star recruit, Henley originally committed to Nevada as a wide receiver. He spent the first three years of his collegiate career as a wide receiver and return man before transitioning to the defensive side of the ball.

Henley transferred to Washington State last year and ended up earning first-team All-Pac 12 honors as a senior. Given that he's been in college since 2017, Henley is one of the older prospects in this year's draft (he turned 23 in November).

But it's the athletic upside that teams will see in the California native. Henley is an excellent athlete for the linebacker position with the ball skills of a wide receiver. He's continued to improve each year in college, and with more development, he could become quite the impact player for an NFL team.

Quincy Williams and Kwon Alexander are both set to be free agents this offseason, and the Jets could look to add Henley as a developmental linebacker behind C.J. Mosley and either Williams or Alexander.

Round 5, 145 Overall, NY Jets: Rashad Torrence II, S, Florida

If the Jets do pull this trade off, I'd highly expect the team to address the safety position in free agency. Even if they don't, players like Jimmie Ward and Jordan Poyer figure to be near the top of the Jets' free-agent wish list.

Regardless, the Jets could absolutely look to add to their depth in the 2023 NFL Draft. Florida's Rashad Torrence II is an intriguing Day 3 prospect who could fit in as a versatile developmental safety.

Torrence was Florida's leading tackle in 2022, racking up 171 tackles over the last two seasons. He has experience playing multiple positions in the secondary, but his best role is probably as more of a true free safety.

At 6-foot, 195 pounds, Torrence is a willing tackler in space who has excellent sideline-to-sideline range. He's dealt with some injury issues, and there are concerns about his ability in man coverage, but Torrence is good value as a versatile backup safety at this spot.

Round 6, 185th Overall, NY Jets: Michael Wilson, WR, Stanford

I was pleasantly surprised to find Stanford wide receiver Michael Wilson still on the board in the sixth round. One of the standouts from this year's Senior Bowl, Wilson's injury history could cause him to fall in the draft, but there's plenty to like about his overall game.

At 6-foot-2, 209 pounds, Wilson is a crafty route runner with fantastic run-after-the-catch abilities. He has the versatility to play either in the slot or on the outside with a very appealing blend of size, speed, and athleticism.

The issues with Wilson start with injuries. He's played just 14 games over the last three seasons due to two separate season-ending injuries — one foot injury in 2020 and another undisclosed in 2022.

Wilson has a very intriguing athletic profile and overall skill set, plus he's a highly-regarded team leader and an experienced special teamer/returner. His injuries will cause him to slide, but if he's still on the board in the sixth round, the Jets shouldn't hesitate.