The New York Jets made their biggest move of the offseason earlier this week. After weeks and weeks of back-and-forth, they finally completed a deal to acquire quarterback Aaron Rodgers from the Green Bay Packers. While some people believe that New York paid a little too much, the Jets have gotten the quarterback upgrade they were seeking.
With that deal complete, the focus can now turn solely to the 2023 NFL Draft. The Jets moved back two spots as part of the Rodgers deal, swapping the No. 13 overall pick for the Packers’ No. 15 pick. While two more players will come off the board, their plans shouldn’t change too drastically.
New York could very well go with the best player available approach. A quarterback was their biggest need but that has been filled with the acquisition of Rodgers. If they were going to pick for need, an offensive lineman should be in their sights. Finding some help there, after injuries decimated them last season, would be ideal.
Somewhat surprisingly, that isn’t the buzz that Matt Miller of ESPN is hearing. If you’re looking for a surprise on Thursday night, keep an eye out on the Jets and Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
“The New York Jets struck gold in the 2022 draft by selecting Ohio State wide receiver Garrett Wilson (the No. 10 overall pick), who had a 1,000-yard rookie season despite uneven quarterback play. Based on conversations with people around the league and sources with knowledge of the Jets’ draft plans, the team has spent considerable time and resources doing work on another Buckeyes wide receiver.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, my top-ranked wideout, is expected to be off the board by the time the Jets draft at No. 15 — he might even go to the Packers at No. 13 following their swap as part of the Aaron Rodgers deal — but if you’re looking for a Thursday night surprise, this could be it.”
Shocking would be an understatement if the Jets selected Smith-Njibga. They have revamped their wide receiver depth chart this offseason, signing Allen Lazard to a four-year deal away from the Packers. They also signed Mecole Hardman, formerly of the Kansas City Chiefs, to a one-year deal.
With fellow Buckeye Garrett Wilson atop the depth chart and Corey Davis still on the roster, there wouldn’t seem to be any room for Smith-Njigba on the depth chart. It would be a peculiar move to spend their first-round pick on another wide receiver when there are more pressing needs across the roster.
Alas, one of the complaints that Rodgers had during the end of his tenure with the Packers was that the team didn’t invest in enough weapons around him. If the Jets are feeling that same pressure, adding another wide receiver could be in play.
