ESPN's Kiper-McShay Three-Round Combo Mock Draft Fills Three Jets' Positional Needs

Two draftniks team up for 102 total selections as Gang Green gets two offensive linemen and a defensive tackle

ESPN's Mel Kiper and Todd McShay teamed up for a three-round mock draft, sending players from three different position groups to the New York Jets.

Kiper and McShay projected the Jets' choices at No. 13, No. 42 and No. 43 overall. Gang Green does not currently possess a third-round selection, it should be an early night for Joe Douglas and Co. on Day 2.

Alternating selections, the two ESPN draftniks went from No. 1 through No. 102. Kiper was responsible for the odd numbered picks while McShay handled the even numbers.

The editor provides an explanation of methodology by writing, "An important note for this mock, though: They based picks on a combination of what they think each team will do and what they would do if they were playing general manager for all 32 teams. They used their personal rankings to guide them. No trades allowed here, either."

With Kiper choosing for Gang Green at No. 13, the original NFL Draft expert nabbed a top-tier offensive tackle. After Northwestern's Peter Skoronski went to the Chicago Bears at ninth overall in the order, the Jets landed Georgia left tackle Broderick Jones.

Ohio State's Paris Johnson Jr. came off the board one pick later, winding up with the New England Patriots in a selection made by McShay. Tennessee bookend Darnell Wright was the median man in Round 1, going to the Washington Commanders at No. 16 overall.

Jones has reportedly taken a top-30 pre-draft visit to Florham Park. The athletic tackle features good length and elite speed.

Georgia tackle Broderick Jones works out at the NFL Combine / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Measuring with 10.5-inch hands and 34.75-inch arms, the 6-foot-5 Jones topped all offensive line participants by running the 40 in 4.97s at the 2023 NFL Combine. 

The NFL’s @NextGenStats awarded the All-Southeastern Conference First Team (AP) performer an 85 “athleticism” score for his Combine performance, ranking him second amongst offensive tackle participants.

When it came to Gang Green's back-to-back choices in Round 2, the ESPN experts filled the team's needs at center and defensive tackle.

McShay made Wisconsin center Joe Tippmann the No. 42 overall selection and Kiper mocked Northwestern defensive tackle Adetomiwa Adebawore to New York one pick later. Both players were voted amongst the best in the Big Ten Conference at their respective positions this past seasons.

The 6-foot-6 Tippmann made 22 starts at center over the past two years for the Badgers, earning good grades as a run blocker and pass protector. The 6-foot-2 Adebawore, a four-year contributor for the Wildcats, recorded 9.0 tackles-for-loss, including 5.0 sacks, in 2022.

It seems unlikely that the Jets will actually make both second-round selections on April 28. Speculation suggests one of the two choices will go to Green Bay as a piece to the Aaron Rodgers trade package.

ESPN’s Three-Round Mock Draft (Jets) Results

13 Jets: Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia (Kiper)

Kiper's Comment: "As we await the outcome of the Aaron Rodgers tug of war with the Packers, the Jets have to find a new starter at right tackle. Jones started every game at left tackle for the national champs last season, but he has the versatility to move to the right side."

NFL DB Intel on Jones: "On film, Jones is an easy mover. Jones’ nimble feet and quickness allow him to stay in front of pass rushers. He had several negative reps in the run game. Overall, Jones is a work in progress, but his upside is immense."

42 Jets (via Browns): Joe Tippmann, C, Wisconsin (McShay)

McShay's Comment: "Shoring up the offensive line is key for the Jets, especially if they land Aaron Rodgers. Mel brought in Broderick Jones in the first round to give them an offensive tackle, but the interior needs work too. Tippmann is my top-ranked center, and his mobility stands out on tape."

NFL DB Intel on Tippmann: "An athletic, powerful center who excels at framing blocks and climbing to the second level, Tippmann is a converted high-school tackle with a high-end athletic profile. He has the athleticism and speed to land blocks on linebackers and defensive backs as a puller. His balance raises some concerns as he ends up on the ground a fair amount."

43 Jets: Adetomiwa Adebawore, DT, Northwestern (Kiper)

Kiper's Comment: "Well, Todd stole my pick, but I guess it doesn't matter since they're both going to the Jets. Adebawore lit up at the combine, showing off his impressive physical traits. He has positional flexibility, even if he is likely never going to be a 10-sack-per-season player." 

NFL DB Intel on Adebawore: "Adebawore possesses an explosive first step, which helps him shoot gaps as an interior rusher and blow up plays. The Kansas City native has large, active, violent hands that pack some serious pop and he frequently gets his hands up for pass breakups. There are evaluators who are concerned that his testing numbers do not translate to on-field agility." 

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