2013 NFL Draft: Looking Back at the 72nd Pick Since the Year 2000, Part III

Feb 21, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New York Jets general manager John Idzik speaks at a press conference during the 2013 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

The draft continues to approach, marking the real start of the new season. It’s Saturday morning as you read this, and we are just 5 days away from the start of the 2013 NFL Draft, live from Radio City Music Hall. As the Jets continue to prepare for that night and more, we continue to look back.

We are looking back at the Jets draft choices in the upcoming draft, and the different players that each spot as yielded since the year 2000. We have reviewed the 9th pick, the 39th pick, and now we are in the midst of reviewing the 72nd pick. Check out Part I, and Part II of our review of the 72nd pick since the year 2000.

Now, we move onward and upward through the last five choices at #72 since the year 2000.

Chris Ellis, DE, was chosen with the 72nd pick overall in the 2008 draft by the Buffalo Bills. Over 3 seasons, Ellis started one game and was gone from the league.

Nov 18, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle Terrance Knighton (96) against the Houston Texans in the second quarter at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

From Temple University, defensive lineman Terrance Knighton was selected 72nd overall by the Jaguars in 2009.  Up until 2012, Knighton has started every game as a member of the Jags.  He has been quite the diamond in the rough.  Take a look:

Dec. 2, 2012; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive end Alex Carrington (92) jumps and deflects a pass by Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Chad Henne (7) during the second half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Buffalo beats Jacksonville 34 to 18. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

The Bills were back in the 72nd position in the year 2010, and they chose DE Alex Carrington. He has only started 6 games over the three seasons he has been in the league, but has had influence rushing off the edge, recording 4 sacks in that time.

2011 yielded Martez Wilson, the 72nd pick overall, chosen by the New Orleans Saints. As a part time player, Wilson has posted 4 sacks over his first two seasons.

Dec. 23, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive end Olivier Vernon (50) during a game against the Buffalo Bills at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

The Miami Dolphins chose DE Olivier Vernon with the 72nd choice of the 2012 draft. As a part time player, Vernon posed 3.5 sacks and a forced fumble for his rookie campaign.

Looking over this pick for the 12 years, it is interesting to see the stark drop from 39th to 72nd. You have guys that have stayed in the league, although not as many, and far more busts at #72, just one round after #39.