New York Jets: The True NFL Draft History

Dec 21, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback

Geno Smith

(7) lines up at wide receiver against the New England Patriots during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Aug 4, 2014; Cortland, NY, USA; New York Jets cornerback

Dee Milliner

(27) walks out to the field prior to the start of training camp at SUNY Cortland. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Mike Maccagnan has a huge task on his hands this spring. The NFL draft is going to be huge for the New York Jets. Can they find a franchise quarterback? Can they get the offensive line rebuilt? Can the Jets draft players on the outside, on both sides of the ball? If Mike Maccagnan can draft well, he can set the Jets moving in the right direction for at least the next five years. If not, he can set the franchise back.

The Jets have been called on the carpet for their draft ability for many years now. Recently, the two guys in the picture have brought those questions to the forefront. With their collective performance to date, the Jets ability to draft can certainly be debated.

It has been this way for a long time. Take a look at a trip down memory lane:

But, it has not been all bad. The Jets have had their share of success in the draft. Now, let’s take a better trip down memory lane.

Next: Jerricho Cotchery

January 10, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver

Jerricho Cotchery

(82) is brought down by Seattle Seahawks cornerback

Jeremy Lane

(20) during the first half in the 2014 NFC Divisional playoff football game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

The Jets chose Jerricho Cotchery in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL draft, with the 108th pick overall. Cotchery moved up the depth chart and became one of the most consistent players on the team, and a positive force in the locker room. From 2006-2010, although he only topped the 1,000 yard mark once, Cotchery didn’t post a season with less than 57 receptions. In the 2009 title game against the Colts, Cotchery caught five passes for 102 yards.

The acquisition of Santonio Holmes in 2010 took time and snaps away from Cotchery, and he left the following year for Pittsburgh, but he is a beloved member of Jets history.

And a Jets draft choice.

Next: John Abraham

Sep 8, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals linebacker

John Abraham

(55) against the San Diego Chargers at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Jets had four picks in the first round of the 2000 draft. The second of those picks was used on John Abraham. Until the resurgence of the defensive line, Abraham had been the Jets top pass rusher in decades. In six years with the Jets, Abraham posted 53.5 sacks. He was one of the top Jets draft picks in recent history.

Next: Keyshawn Johnson

Oct 10, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans former player

Keyshawn Johnson

leads players onto the field before the game against the Arizona Wildcats at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. USC defeated Arizona 38-31. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Remember this guy? He may have been a loud mouth, written an inappropriate book, and forced a trade to Tampa Bay, but after being chosen with the first pick of the 1996 draft, Keyshawn Johnson performed well. In four season with the Jets, teamed up with Wayne Chrebet, never posted less than 63 catches, and never less than five touchdowns. His final two seasons with the Jets resulted in back-to-back 1,100+ yard seasons.

He was a pain in the neck, but he was a successful draft pick by the New York Jets.

Next: Leon Washington

Dec 18, 2014; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Tennessee Titans running back

Leon Washington

(29) carries the ball against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Now here is another old friend. Leon Washington was taken with the 117th pick overall in the 2006 draft. During his four years with the Jets, Washington made an impact in all aspects of the game. He was a change of pace running back that ran for 300-600 yards per season, and caught passes good for 200-300 yards per season. His biggest impact may have been felt in the kick return game, with four kickoff return touchdowns in four years, three of them in one year (2007).

Another memorable Jets draft pick.

Next: David Harris

Nov 24, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; New York Jets inside linebacker

David Harris

(52) against the Buffalo Bills at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Finally, we have David Harris. He was chosen in the second round of the 2007 draft, and we know what he has been. To call him a mainstay in the Jets defense would be an understatement. He showed the consistency on defense that Curtis Martin showed during the years prior on offense, always at or near the top on the team in total tackles. This past year, Harris passed the 1,000 tackle mark.