2002 NFL Draft: An Up and Down Draft for the New York Jets

With the draft only a couple of days away, we are taking a look back at previous Jets drafts that are celebrating anniversaries. Yesterday we took a look at the draft from five years ago. Today we look at 10 years ago, the 2002 NFL draft, which produced mixed results for the New York Jets

September 13, 2010; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets linebacker Bryan Thomas (58) sacks Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) during the game at the New Meadowlands Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Munson/THE STAR-LEDGER via US PRESSWIRE

The first round, 22nd pick overall, yielded the Jets Bryan Thomas, and it was as solid a pick as ever. He has been a staple on the Jets defense for many years now, adding both good tackling and a pass rush, with 418 tackles and 31 sacks for his career. The Jets sorely missed his ability to set the edge in the running game in 2011.

The 57th pick overall in the second round turned into safety Jon McGraw. He was OK, but nothing spectacular in his three years in NY, with 3 INTs over that time, as well as just under 40 tackles per season.

Oct 19, 2008; Oakland, CA, USA; New York Jets tight end Chris Baker (86) during the Jets 16-13 overtime loss to the Oakland Raiders at the Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

The third round brought TE Chris Baker to New York. Another solid performer, that wasn’t anything spectacular. He spent 7 years with the Jets, his best performance coming in 2007, when he recorded 41 catches, for 409 yards and 3 TDs.

Defensive tackle Alan Harper (photo not available), was chosen in round four. He played no significant time with the New York Jets, with 5 tackles in his three years with the Jets, and never caught on with another team.

Dec 19, 2011; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers center Jonathan Goodwin (59) on the sidelines against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter at Candlestick Park. San Francisco defeated Pittsburgh 20-3. Mandatory Credit: Jason O. Watson-US PRESSWIRE

Jonathan Goodwin made a nice career for himself for several years with the New Orleans Saints, before moving to the 49ers in 2011. However, most probably won’t remember that he was drafted by the Jets in 2002 with their last pick, in the fifth round. He spent most of his four years with the Jets as a backup, before starting 10 games in 2005 before leaving for points south (New Orleans).

So all in all, a draft that was in the middle. Wasn’t great, but was far from terrible.