Jets Mock Draft: Aaron Rodgers Trade Changes Landscape of the AFC
By Hunter Haas
In the latest Jets mock draft, an Aaron Rodgers trade changes the landscape of the entire AFC.
The New York Jets were the winners of the 2022 NFL Draft. Sauce Gardner is already one of the best defensive players in the league, and Garrett Wilson should take home Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. Additionally, Breece Hall was becoming a star before his rookie season was cut short due to a torn ACL.
Unfortunately for Robert Saleh’s crew, unreliable quarterback play sank the ship in 2022. Former No. 2 overall pick Zach Wilson looked lost more often than not. Mike White, to his credit, played well when called upon. But neither guy should be viewed as the answer for 2023.
Jets Mock Draft: Aaron Rodgers Trade Changes Landscape of the AFC
So, with a roster ready to contend and a glaring hole at quarterback, what should general manager Joe Douglas do to fill the gap? Should the Jets trade up in the 2023 NFL Draft for a signal-caller? Or is a veteran like Derek Carr, Lamar Jackson, or Aaron Rodgers the better play?
In today’s mock draft, the New York Jets take center stage. Let’s get things rolling with an answer at quarterback.
Round 1, Pick 13: The Jets Swing for the Fences with an Aaron Rodgers Trade
Whew… here we go. The New York Jets have been searching for an answer at quarterback for the entirety of my 27 years on Planet Earth. As iconic as Joe Namath is, Aaron Rodgers would immediately become the most talented quarterback to ever don a Jets jersey.
Owner Woody Johnson has been vocal about his desire for a difference-maker at quarterback. Even saying that he would pay “whatever it takes” to land one. This includes monetarily and in draft pick compensation too.
To complete the Rodgers trade, the Jets must part with No. 13 overall in 2023 and a first-rounder for 2024. Perhaps another day two pick is involved, but for this exercise, we will keep the price at two first-round selections. At long last, the Jets fan base has an MVP-caliber player behind center.
Round 2, Pick 44: Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee
The New York Jets have some impressive offensive linemen on the roster, but health is consistently an issue across the board. Even if Mekhi Becton and Alijah Vera-Tucker return to form, the unit needs another durable player added.
Tennessee offensive tackle Darnell Wright is the perfect fit. Vera-Tucker can stay inside where he looks more natural, and Wright can start at right tackle as a rookie. It would form an impressive bookend with Becton while also providing insurance at left tackle in the event of an injury.
Round 3, Pick 75: Owen Pappoe, LB, Auburn
The Jets received respectable play from the linebacker corps in 2022, but CJ Mosley is not getting any younger. Owen Pappoe is a freaky athlete who uses his impressive range to blanket the middle of the field. In Saleh’s system, Pappoe will need to sure up his tackling form, but the upside to be a Pro Bowler is there in droves.
Round 4, Pick 112: Ji’Ayir Brown, SAF, Penn State
Ji’Ayir Brown is a ball-hawking safety with a knack for forcing turnovers. He is a thumper in the run game and would provide the Jets a shot in the arm for the backend of the defense.
Round 5, Pick 144: Andrei Iosivas, WR, Princeton
Last year, I predicted Christian Watson to be a riser during the pre-draft process. This year, my pick is Andrei Iosivas. As of today — much like Watson in 2022 — Iosivas is regularly found on day three in mock drafts.
Once the Princeton speedster shows his ability at the Senior Bowl, he will shoot up boards everywhere. Right now, the Jets benefit from his sleeper status. I like Elijah Moore and Denzel Mims in a vacuum, but neither guy has proven reliable. More weapons are necessary following the Rodgers trade.
Round 6, Pick 185: Josh Whyle, TE, Cincinnati
Continuing the trend of adding weapons to the offense, Josh Whyle grabs the final spot in this mock draft. Whyle is an ascending route runner with strong hands. He must improve as a blocker, but the traits as a pass catcher would boost the unit exponentially.