The 2023 NFL Draft is just over a month away, and ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. has released his latest first-round mock draft.
This one comes with the added perspective of NFL free agency and accounts for the massive trade between the Bears and the Panthers, which saw Carolina move up to the No. 1 pick.
With picks 13 and 25, he expects the Jets and Giants to focus on offensive needs.
Georgia’s Broderick Jones is a 311 pound, 6-foot-5 redshirt sophomore who played a pivotal role in one of the most dominant offensive lines in the country. Although the 21-year-old has relatively less experience than other offensive line prospects, his talent is raw and his upside is undeniable.
“Jones started 19 games on the left side for the Bulldogs, and he didn’t allow a single sack last season,” Kiper Jr. said in his mock draft.
Jones has tremendous footwork and has gifted physical attributes that gives him an advantage at the position. If he is able to improve his strength and technique to match his elite natural ability, the potential exists for him to be an outstanding starter.
One of the weak points for the Jets this season was their offensive line. Their season ended against Miami without starters Duane Brown, George Fant, and Nate Herbig.
The ability of former first-round draft pick Mekhi Becton to bounce back from two injury-filled seasons and weight concerns is also critical to the line’s success.
Since the Jets hired Joe Douglas as General Manager in 2019, the organization has only drafted four offensive lineman.
With Aaron Rodgers expected to be a Jet come next season and the abundance of offensive skill position talent they possess, upgrading the offensive line is paramount.
If there is one thing that the Giants need, it is more explosive playmakers.
The team already has made some important free agent moves to boost their pass-catching talent.
They re-signed Darius Slayton and Sterling Shepard, who suffered a season-ending ACL injury in September.
In addition, they traded for Raiders tight end Darren Waller and signed Colts wide receiver Parris Campbell.
Despite these moves, the roster still lacks a true WR1.
USC’s speedster Jordan Addison has the potential to become the Giants’ top weapon.
Addison recently said the Giants were the last team he spoke to in the pre-draft process.
Before transferring last season, Addison put up 2,259 yards and 21 touchdowns at Pittsburgh.
Due to the offensive structure at USC, his production diminished a bit.
Four wide receivers had more than 600 yards for USC in 2022, with Addison leading the pack with 875.
“Addison put up huge numbers for Pitt and USC over the past three seasons, and he could be a plug-and-play starter, getting reps in the slot and outside,” Kiper wrote. “This is how the Giants’ passing offense can take a big step forward.”
He has been compared to NFL receivers like Tyler Lockett, Kennan Allen, and Devonta Smith.
His ability to play both inside and outside while having an elite skillset to catch balls on all three levels of the field is key for a successful NFL receiver.
Coming in at only 5-foot-11 and 173 pounds, Addison has trouble winning 50-50 battles and has questionable hand strength at times.
Despite this, he threatens defenses with his agile footwork, running dynamic routes and finding open spaces.
Along with his special route-running, his explosive acceleration and quickness makes him extremely dangerous with the ball in his hands.