Will McDonald, Joe Tippmann Lead ’23 Class Into Year Three

For those fans who still subscribe to the old school of thought that an NFL player needs three seasons to prove whether or not they belong, this is a big year for the Jets 2023 draft class.

The class is led by its top two picks in edge rusher Will McDonald and center Joe Tippmann and followed from that point on by very little experience, but some intriguing potential.  Who are those players entering year three who could still end up being regular contributors?  Who is more likely to move on and never flourish in Green and White?

Let’s take a look at the 2023 class in its entirety.

Edge Will McDonald: McDonald showed potential as a rookie two years ago before blowing up last season and logging 10.5 sacks.  It was the first of what should be many double-digit sack seasons.  In addition to getting to the passer, McDonald is expected to be more stout against the run this season after adding fifteen pounds to his frame.

C Joe Tippmann: Tippmann was PFF’s eighth ranked center among those who played at least 300 snaps.  A second-round pick taken with pick 43, should Tippmann take another step forward this season, he could be among the best centers in the NFL.

OT Carter Warren: Warren has started just six games as a pro after being limited by injuries as a rookie.  His film is a roller coaster that varies between a guy who can be an average tackle to a player who may not be long for the league.  This is the year he has to show which one he really is.

RB Israel Abanikanda: No longer with the Jets, Abanikanda was let go and moved on to the San Francisco 49ers.

LB Zaire Barnes: Barnes is a guy who hasn’t done anything during the regular season, but did show improvement in the preseason from year one to year two.  As a late-round player out of a smaller program (Western Michigan), Barnes was never going to be a day 1 contributor.  But it’s a long way from being day 1 at this point, and with little proven depth a linebacker, he should have a shot.

CB Jarrick Bernard-Converse: We mentioned Barnes’ improvement a moment ago, but no player made a bigger leap than Bernard-Converse.  The team’s top rated player last preseason by PFF, he’s now part of a deep cornerback room where making the roster won’t be easy.  Don’t be shocked of the former LSU product finds himself being dangled as trade bait.

TE Zack Kuntz: The legend of Kuntz and his otherworldly athleticism are well-documented.  Like Barnes, he was always going to be a multi-year project with off-the-charts traits.  Given his physical tools, great height (6′ 8”) and the Jets lack of proven talent at tight end, Kuntz may have a shot to make the 53 this season.

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