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2023 NFL Mock Draft: Aaron Rodgers On The Move, Texans Move To No. 1

By A.J. Fagerlin

Sep 24, 2022; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Bryce Young (9) leaves the field after defeating the Vanderbilt Commodores at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama won 55-3. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2022; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Bryce Young (9) leaves the field after defeating the Vanderbilt Commodores at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama won 55-3. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aaron Rodgers, New York Jets, 2023 NFL Mock Draft
The Green Bay Packers trade Aaron Rodgers to the New York Jets in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft.Packers Jets 0935 /

13. Green Bay Packers: Peter Skoronski, OL, Northwestern

Here is the big move of this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. If after his “darkness retreat”, Aaron Rodgers decides he wants to continue to play football, I can’t see it being with the Green Bay Packers. While many suggest that he will team back up with his former teammate, Davante Adams, in Vegas, I think the New York Jets could be the destination.

As I said earlier, I do not believe that the Raiders are all that close to completing. The Jets, oddly enough, seem to be quickly moving in the right direction. After a home run of a draft last year from general manager Joe Douglas, the New York Jets were very competitive in 2022 even with abysmal quarterback play. Not just below-average. Abysmal.

With young receivers like Garrett Wilson and Elijah Moore, a promising young running back in Breece Hall, and a very impressive defensive corps including All-Pro rookie, Sauce Gardner, the Jets could make some noise in the AFC next year. With the right quarterback.

Rodgers has never been one to shy away from the limelight (or the cold weather) so I think New York is a great spot for him. Hiring Rodgers’ former offensive coordinator, Nathaniel Hackett, to the same job could be a very smart move for the Jets if they can land the former MVP.

In return, the Packers get another pick in the top half of this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, and select a versatile offensive lineman who will fit right in in Green Bay. Peter Skoronski can play right tackle or guard right away for the Packers, and could be the heir to David Bakhtiari as the blindside protector for a young Jordan Love, if the team decides to stick with him.

14. New England Patriots: Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU

The New England Patriots have tried their hand a first-round wide receiver in the past, to no avail. But it is very clear that the Patriots offense is severely lacking high-level playmakers, to the detriment of their young quarterback.

New England can’t just stick with average wide receivers, so I think they may take a swing on a player like Quentin Johnston. Johnston has elite size and is a wrecking ball with the ball in his hands. While he is not a nuanced route runner, he is effective at all levels of the field and will be a go-to target for Mac Jones early and often in his NFL career.

15. Green Bay Packers: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State

Boy, will Aaron Rodgers be bitter looking at this first round for the Packers in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. After failing to provide him with protection or weapons early in drafts while he was in Green Bay, the Packers do both for Jordan Love in one round of one draft.

After getting Skoronski to bolster the offensive line, Green Bay grabs a dynamic, number-one type receiver in Ohio State’s Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Christian Watson and even Romeo Doubs showed some promise as rookies last year, but neither are the caliber player that JSN is.

Smith-Njigba’s draft stock has fallen after missing nearly the entire 2022 season due to injury, but when healthy he is as dominant as anyone in football. He is an excellent separator, has superb hands and is very effective at all three levels of the field. He is my WR1 in this draft as it stands right now and would be deadly alongside Watson and Doubs in this Green Bay offense.

16. Washington Commanders: Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State

The Washington Commanders could be another team in the quarterback market this offseason. Whether they decide to roll with Sam Howell or bring in a veteran, where the Ron Rivera-led Commanders really need to improve is in their secondary.

Washington has been known for their dominant defensive line, featuring Chase Young, Daron Payne, Jonathan Allen and Montez Sweat, but aside from Kendall Fuller, they don’t really have any notable names in their secondary. Joey Porter Jr. certainly provides that right away as the son of the former Steelers linebacker, but will also bring a lot on the field. He is a very physical presence with great size, length and athleticism to hold his own in the NFC East.

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