New York Jets general manager Darren Mougey is attempting to rebuild the roster during the 2026 NFL offseason. Inheriting a messy situation from the previous regime is a big reason why the Jets remain stuck.
The 2023 NFL draft sticks out as a missed opportunity to improve the team.
Nailing your draft keeps rosters healthy. New York haven’t done that enough in recent classes, and a poor draft class often starts hurting the roster three-four years down the line. The 2023 iteration is a prime example of mistakes catching up.
CBS Sports recently re-graded every 2023 NFL draft class. Immediately after the draft, they awarded the Jets a stellar B grade.
Unfortunately, the class did not meet expectations, and it was re-graded as a D.
CBS Sports’ breakdown can be found below:
“They had seven picks in this draft and only one — second-round guard Joe Tippmann — heads into the season as a sure starter,” CBS Sports wrote. “First-round pick Will McDonald IV will be in a fight to start with Joseph Ossai, who is better against the run. McDonald is more of a pass-rush specialist. They missed on their other five picks.”
Tippmann has developed into a high-level starter, but that’s not enough.
McDonald is a frustrating pass-rushing specialist who hasn’t been an every-down player. The Jets also missed on late-round picks like sixth-round cornerback Jarrick Bernard-Converse. Improved draft classes moving forward are key to accelerating the rebuild.
Jets Wire will continue to provide updates throughout the 2026 offseason.
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: New York Jets’ 2023 draft class re-grades terribly
Reporting by Justin Melo, Jets Wire / Jets Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
