Arkansas linebacker Drew Sanders (Michael Woods, AP)
While Gang Green fans anxiously wait for a trade for superstar quarterback Aaron Rodgers to be made, the 2023 NFL Draft is fast approaching.
The Jets have six picks this year, including the 13th overall selection, when Kansas City plays host to this year’s draft on April 27-29.
The 2022 draft could not have gone any better for GM Joe Douglas and the Jets as they chose the NFL Offensive (Garrett Wilson, 10th overall pick) and Defensive (Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, 4th overall pick) Rookies of the Year. Gang Green also selected running back Breece Hall (second round), who was a top contender for the offensive rookie of the year award himself before an ACL injury prematurely ended his season.
The Jets have fewer holes to fill than last year, but still have plenty of places where they can improve after coming off a 7-10 season.
With 23 days until the draft, here’s our look at how the Jets’ first three picks could play out.
FIRST ROUND (13th overall): BRYAN BRESEE, DT, CLEMSON
Gang Green has targeted a few defensive tackles during free agency this offseason, but top targets Fletcher Cox (Eagles) and Calais Campbell (Falcons) decided to sign elsewhere.
Jets coach Robert Saleh and Douglas love players in the trenches. With a significant need for a defensive tackle, it would make sense for Bresee to be selected at 13th overall.
Bresee was the top recruit in the nation during the 2020 recruiting class from Damascus High School in Maryland. At Clemson, Bresee had his moments of greatness, which is why he will likely be a top pick in late April.
Bresee is an athletic tackle with great acceleration at the point of attack. That helps him quickly shed blockers and make plays behind the line of scrimmage on a regular basis.
At 6-5 1/2, 298 pounds, Bresee certainly has the size of an NFL defensive tackle. Bresee would fit defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich and Saleh’s scheme as he would complement Quinnen Williams’ style of play.
Bresee’s excellent strength is often displayed stopping the run. He reads and reacts to plays and also has the versatility to regularly apply pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
The biggest question concerning the Clemson star is his health. In 2021, he suffered an ACL tear. He also had shoulder surgery in 2022. Breece did play in games in 2022 as he performed through the tragic loss of his 15-year-old younger sister, Ella, to an aggressive form of brain cancer.
During his three seasons at Clemson, Bresee played in 28 games while recording 51 tackles, 15 tackles for loss and nine sacks. If he is still on the board, don’t be surprised if he’s the choice.
SECOND ROUND (42nd overall): JOHN MICHAEL SCHMITZ, C, MINNESOTA
It is hard to project what the Jets will do in the second round because one of these picks could go to the Packers in a trade for Rodgers. Since the trade has yet to be made, we will project the draft how it is currently constructed.
The Jets still need a center as last year’s starter Connor McGovern remains a free agent. If Minnesota’s John Michael Schmitz is still on the board, the Jets should run the card to the podium.
Schmitz was arguably the best center in the nation last season. He started 12 games for the Golden Gophers and was a first-team Associated Press All-American and earned all-Big Ten honors.
Schmitz was a consistent zone blocker with good size at 6-3, 301 pounds. He does everything well, as he is just as good of a run blocker as he is a pass blocker. He was also a second-team Academic All-American.
An NFL comparison for Schmitz is former Titans center Ben Jones, who the Jets are also considering signing. Gang Green could opt for the veteran Jones with Rodgers under center. However, Schmitz is a player who could be a 10-year starter in the league.
SECOND ROUND (43rd overall): DREW SANDERS, LB, ARKANSAS
The Jets could use another linebacker opposite second-team All-Pro C.J. Mosley. Gang Green re-signed Quincy Williams in March, but Kwon Alexander is a free agent and it seems like the team will go in another direction.
Sanders would be a great addition as he played both as an off-ball and on-ball linebacker while in college. After beginning his career at Alabama, Sanders transferred to Arkansas. Playing as an off-ball linebacker with the Razorbacks, Sanders has the best season of his career in 2022.
Sanders registered 103 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks, earning him first-team All-SEC honors. At 6-5, 230 pounds, Sanders has tremendous size that will be an asset in the NFL.
What stands out about Sanders is his technique and range as he is a consistent tackler. He would provide a boost to a Jets defense that finished fourth in the league last season.
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Originally published at Tribune News Service