The Jets’ draft history has been loaded with blunders.
From Blair Thomas to Kyle Brady to Vernon Gholston and so on, New York has had some of the most notable draft mistakes in NFL history. When the draft used to be held in Radio City Music Hall, Jets fans would fill it with a chorus of boos.
Mel Kiper Jr. said it best after the Jets took Jeff Lageman in the first round of the 1989 NFL draft: “It’s obvious to me that the Jets just don’t know what the draft is all about.”
With that in mind, we decided to take a look at New York’s all-time worst draft picks by round.
Round 1, Pick 6, Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio State (2006)
Vernon Gholston is an easy choice.
Starting just five out of 45 games in three seasons for the Jets, he never had a sack. Gholston was supposed to supplant the Jets’ consistent pass-rushing issues but only made them worse.
He never played in the NFL after 2010. He is considered one of the all-time biggest busts in NFL draft history.
Round 2, Pick 51, Christian Hackenberg, QB, Penn State (2016)
Christian Hackenberg is arguably the worst selection in Jets history.
Hackenberg never played in a regular season game. The Jets hid him on their depth chart and protected him from ever attempting an NFL pass because they were afraid of how bad he would be.
After his failed stint in the now-defunct Alliance of American Football, Hackenberg’s short-lived football career is probably over.
Round 3, Pick 79, ArDarius Stewart, WR, Alabama (2017)
ArDarius Stewart projected to be the Jets’ next big thing at wide receiver but fizzled out due to a lack of production and a four-game suspension.
Stewart had just six catches for 82 yards during his short stay in New York. After bouncing around on practice squads, he is no longer in the NFL. He was just arrested in his home state of Alabama this past week.
Round 4, Pick 104, Jalen Saunders, WR, Oklahoma (2014)
With the Jets in desperate need of help at wide receiver and in a deep wide receiver draft, they elected to take Jalen Saunders out of Oklahoma.
In three games with the Jets, Saunders returned six punts for 26 return yards. He was cut in September, just five months after the Jets drafted him. After bouncing around from several teams, he found a new home in the CFL, where he stars for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
Round 5, Pick 162, Erik Ainge, QB, Tennessee, (2008)
Erik Ainge was drafted in 2008 to be groomed as a potential quarterback of the future after great success at the University of Tennessee.
In November of 2008, Ainge was suspended four games by the NFL for violating the league’s policy on steroids and related substances.
Ainge was expected to compete with Kellen Clemens and Kevin O’Connell for the final quarterback roster spot on the team in 2010. Unfortunately, Ainge had entered a drug treatment/rehab facility following a second suspension.
Ainge retired from the NFL in 2011 due to injuries sustained to his throwing shoulder and right foot, as well as problems with substance abuse.
Round 6, Pick 213, Tajh Boyd, QB, Clemson (2014)
Tajh Boyd was drafted by Jets thanks to his connection to Rex Ryan.
Boyd was a fan-favorite and an all-time great QB at Clemson, where Ryan’s son, Seth, was a walk-on on the football team and one of Boyd’s teammates.
Projected to be an undrafted free agent, it was surprising for Boyd to be drafted. He was released after training camp by the Jets and bounced from the CFL to the Steelers and developmental leagues.
Round 7, Pick 227, Scotty McKnight, WR, Colorado (2011)
Scotty McKnight was a standout wide receiver at Colorado but was drafted on the basis that he was Mark Sanchez’s best friend growing up instead of merit.
McKnight’s only reception for the Jets was a 14-yard touchdown in a pre-season game against the Philadelphia Eagles. McKnight then tore his ACL, MCL, PCL and his meniscus in his left knee.
After coming back from injury, he fractured his left knee cap, which finished his football career.
