Re-evaluating Will McDonald and the NY Jets' 2023 draft class

Joe Tippmann, C, NY Jets: Round 2, 43rd overall

• Grade: A+

The six-foot-six Wisconsin grad hog-molly was drafted to be the center and right-hand man to Aaron Rodgers. The question was whether it would be immediately or down the line, with the former being the answer.

Tippmann ended up playing 82% of snaps, in games he appeared in, for the Jets in 2024. All things considered, with an impressive amount of injuries to the offensive line, he played well enough to show that he can be great. With only five penalties on the season, Tippmann is dependable and should only grow into the role with Aaron Rodgers back under center.

After years of subpar centers on the Jets following the retirement of Jets legend Nick Mangold, it's safe to say the Jets should be confident in Tippmann. A center-quarterback relationship is vital so hopefully Aaron Rodgers and Joe Tippmann gel from day one this August.

The 2023 NFL all-rookie team member was a great pick by Joe Douglas and the Jets' front office and it's always a relief to believe in your center for years to come. I give this an 'A+' because going into last year's draft we needed a center and the Jets found a good one in the second round.

Carter Warren, OT, NY Jets: Round 4, 120th overall

• Grade: B+

The New Jersey native and Pittsburgh graduate was drafted to be developed but was ironically thrown in eight games, five of which he started. Without really getting a chance to get up to speed as a rookie on the line, Carter Warren held up in the situation he was put in and only had two penalties.

Warren even managed to fall on a Jets fumble, so his field awareness is above average and he'll be able to learn and grow with the additions of tackles Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses. Warren can fill in at tackle or guard this year when needed and in year two we should see improvement in his game.

When you draft an offensive lineman in the fourth round you can only hope he can develop into a starter or more. Warren played more than anyone ever would've thought in his rookie year so it'll be fun to see how he developed this offseason and how much he'll play in 2024.

Grading this pick is tougher but 'B+' is the grade here with the only knock being Jets probably should've drafted a tackle earlier in the draft. Warren himself played well enough with a banged-up line to show promise entering his second season.