The Jets’ draft history has been loaded with blunders
Remember the words “Maybe the Jets know something we don’t,” when the team infamously selected Ken O’Brien over Dan Marino? Yeah, there’s been a lot of moments like that.
However, New York has made a lot of hits in the draft as well. A lot of the Jets homegrown superstars have been selected via the draft. While the busts stand out, Gang Green has also found some great players in the draft.
With that in mind, we decided to take a look at New York’s all-time draft. Here’s the best player the Jets have selected in each round in their history.
Round 1, Pick 1 Joe Namath, QB, Alabama (1965)
Joe Namath is arguably the greatest player in New York Jets history.
Broadway Joe is responsible for leading the Jets to their only Super Bowl, in which he guaranteed an improbable upset victory against the Baltimore Colts and delivered. Already a celebrity, Namath established himself as not only a sports icon but a pop culture icon as well.
Round 2, Pick 41, Mark Gastineau, DE, East Central Oklahoma State (1979)
The leader of the New York Sack exchange, Gastineau was one of the game’s best pass-rushers of the 1980s.
His 22 sacks in 1984 stood as an NFL single-season record until Brett Favre slid at Michael Strahan’s feet in 2001.
Gastineau’s sack dances and undeniable swagger were hard to come by in the NFL. A five-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro, the Jets are still looking to replace his sack production.
Round 3, Pick 61, Mickey Shuler, TE, Penn State (1978)
Mickey Shuler played 12 seasons for the New York Jets and is easily the best tight end to play for the franchise.
Shuler had seven playoff appearances and two Pro Bowl appearances. He was named as the tight end for the Jets’ All-Time Team and the Jets’ Dream Team.
In his career, Shuler totaled 462 receptions for 5,100 yards and 37 touchdowns. He is tied for third in all-time receptions in Jets history.
Round 4, Pick 108, Jerricho Cotchery, NC State (2004)
During his time with the Jets from 2004-10, Jerricho Cotchery was one of the most effective, but undervalued, wide receivers in the NFL.
For his career, Cotchery had 524 receptions for 6,623 yards and 34 touchdowns.
Cotchery is currently an assistant wide receiver coach on the Carolina Panthers staff. However, one day he could find his way back in green and white, in the Jets Ring of Honor.
Round 5, Pick 153, Jeremy Kerley, WR, TCU (2011)
The Jets have not had a lot of hits on their fifth-round picks, but with Jeremy Kerley, New York found a reliable punt returner and a slot receiver with great hands.
For his career, Kerley has 246 receptions for 2,892 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Kerley has had two different stints with the Jets, the last one ending with a PED suspension. While Kerley is a currently a free agent, a third reunion with New York is rather unlikely.
Round 6, Pick 144, Joe Klecko, DL, Temple (1977)
Joe Klecko is probably the biggest draft steal in New York Jets history.
Highlighting the sack exchange, along with Mark Gastineau and Marty Lyons, Klecko is the only defensive player in NFL history to be selected to the Pro Bowl at three different positions (defensive tackle, nose tackle, defensive end).
While Klecko has been nominated for the Pro Football Hall of Fame several times, he has not been enshrined. Klecko became the third Jet to have his number retired when New York removed his No. 73 from circulation in 2004.
Round 7, Pick 188, Abdul Salaam, DL, Kent State (1976)
Abdul Salaam is just another member of the Sack Exchange to make this list.
The Jets went just 6-22 in Salaam’s first two seasons. He was soon joined by Joe Klecko, Mark Gastineau and Marty Lyons on the defensive line to form one of the top units in the NFL.
The four combined for 66 sacks in 1981 to lead the Jets to their first playoff game since 1969.
