Two-Round Thursday: NFL Draft Bible Projects Jets’ First Three Selections in 2023 Draft

Rounds 1 and 2 will feature 63 total picks, including three chances for Gang Green to nab future starters

The New York Jets selected two offensive linemen and a tight end in Ric Serritella's latest two-round mock draft. All three draftees competed collegiately for Power 5 conference programs.

Serritella, the NFL Draft Bible founder, projected the first 63 of the 259 selections that will occur over the course of three days in Kansas City. 

The Jets are scheduled to hit the clock thrice during the first two rounds of the 2023 NFL Draft, which kicks off with Round 1 on Thursday, April 27. Serritella’s forecast has Gang Green keeping all three of their top-43 picks.

The mock draft begins with four quarterbacks being amongst the first five players drafted.

Northwestern's Peter Skoronski was the first offensive tackle taken off the board, going to the Super Bowl LVII runner-up Philadelphia Eagles at No. 10 overall.

Highly-touted Ohio State receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba went 11th in the draft order to the Tennessee Titans while the Jets wound up nabbing a fellow Buckeye.

Joe Douglas and Co. used the No. 13 overall selection to secure Ohio State tackle Paris Johnson, Jr.

13 New York Jets – Paris Johnson, OT, Ohio State

As the NFL universe awaits the arrival of Rodgers on Broadway, the Jets will continue to stack pieces around their new savior. More beef is needed up front, as it has been somewhat of a roller-coaster ride at the tackle position. Dependable blockers will be vital for the ultimate success of A-Rod and Johnson fits the bill.
- Ric Serritella, NFL Draft Bible

With the Jets taking the 2022 All-Big Team First Team performer, Georgia's Broderick Jones landed with the Patriots at No. 14. The Bulldogs' left tackle is reportedly on New York's list of pre-draft visitors.

The 6-foot-6 Johnson possesses the size and strength of a successful NFL tackle. Boasting incredible length, he measured 36-inch arms and an 85-inch wingspan at the NFL Combine. Johnson, who was Ohio State’s starting left tackle in 2022, put up 29 reps on the 225-pound bench press.

Johnson, a “plug-and-play" prospect, ended his Buckeyes career by making 26 consecutive starts.

In Round 2 of the mock draft, Serritella predicted that the Jets will use both of their back-to-back picks to choose Oregon State tight end Luke Musgrave and Minnesota center John Michael Schmitz.

First, using the selection they acquired from Cleveland in the Elijah Moore trade, Gang Green as Musgrave at No. 42. The Jets used the No. 43 pick to secure Schmitz, who is widely considered the top-ranked center prospect in the draft.

Musgrave, a 6-foot-6 tight end, has shown the ability to block effectively in multiple situations and poses a legitimate threat as a receiver with a huge catch radius. He finished amongst the top-four tight end participants in three different events at the 2023 NFL Combine - 40-yard dash (4.61), broad jump (10’ 5”) and vertical jump (36”).

Schmitz started all but one game over the past three seasons for Minnesota. The 6-foot-3 center, who put up 26 bench press reps during Combine testing, earned 2022 All-America First Team honors.

READ MORE:

Jets Country Draft Coverage

Ric Serritella's NFL Draft Bible

Jets Select Aaron Rodgers’ Successor in 2023 FanNation Mock Draft

SI's Matt Verderame Identifies Jets' Draft Needs

All-SEC Offensive Tackle Lands on Jets' Pre-Draft Visitor Log

Jets Country 2023 Offseason Personnel Tracker

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Ralph Ventre
RALPH VENTRE

Ralph, a former college football conference administrator, brings 20 years of media experience to the New York Jets beat. Prior to concentrating on Gang Green, he covered the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision for NFL Draft Bible on FanNation. Ventre remains as an official voter for the Stats Perform FCS Top 25 and the annual legacy awards. The Fordham University graduate is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America. The veteran sports media professional resides in his native state of New Jersey.