On April 24, the New York Jets finally pulled off the blockbuster trade to acquire four-time MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Just three days later, the 2023 NFL Draft began, and the Jets looked to add a few more pieces to its roster to gear up for a Super Bowl run.
While New York didn't add any additional wide receivers, it took an edge rusher in the first round, then offensive line players with its next two picks. Ultimately, they hope the picks were enough to bolster both sides of the line of scrimmage
Who did the Jets take during the 2023 NFL Draft and will any of their picks make a fantasy impact? Let's dive in.
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New York Jets Draft Picks
First Round (No. 15): Will McDonald IV - Edge, Iowa State
Second Round (No. 43): Joe Tippman - C, Wisconsin
Fourth Round (No. 112): Carter Warren - OT, Pitt
Fifth Round (No. 143): Israel Abanikanda- RB, Pitt
Sixth Round (No. 184): Zaire Barnes - LB, Western Kentucky
Sixth Round (No. 204): Jarrick Bernard-Converse - DB, LSU
Seventh Round (No. 220): Zack Kuntz - TE, Old Dominion
It would have been fun to see a first-round wideout land in New York to pair him with Garrett Wilson, but ultimately, the Jets spent its early picks on valuable positions in edge and offensive line.
The franchise reportedly wanted Georgia offensive tackle Broderick Jones in the first round, but the Pittsburgh Steelers traded up to pick 14 to take him. Either way, offensive line reinforcements were added and Will McDonald is a potential game-closer as a passer rusher.
On day three, the team added speedy running back Israel Abanikanda and the supremely athletic tight end Zack Kuntz. Both could prove to be valuable additions to Aaron Rodgers' offense.
Jets 2023 Rookie Fantasy Impact
Abanikanda will have the chance to be the team's No. 2 running back behind Breece Hall, but Michael Carter and Zonovan Knight aren't going to roll over. The Pitt running back posted a blazing 4.45 forty-yard-dash at 216 pounds at his pro day and is a true home run hitter when the play is blocked perfectly. That said, he'll likely be a solid handcuff stash if he beats out the veteran backs.
The seventh-round tight end Kuntz tested as the most athletic player at the position since 1987 at the 2023 NFL Combine, so if he makes the roster, he'll be a fun deep league stash in tight end premium formats. He likely won't contribute much as a rookie, but if he can compete to at least see some snaps in two and three tight end sets, we could see some splash plays. For now, he's not on the 2023 fantasy football radar.
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