NFL Draft: The Last Five Picks at Number Six Overall

Jan 28, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker

speaks at a 2015 Draft celebratory reception at Sheraton Phoenix Downtown. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

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Let’s take our “Throwback Thursday” walk down memory lane this morning, NFL draft style.

The NFL draft is nearly upon us. It’s about time isn’t it? I am looking forward to seeing what this new group in charge of the New York Jets has in store for us. The Jets are in a great spot at number six. They could move up, if they are sold on Marcus Mariota. They could stay at number six, and take any number of talented players. Or, they could trade down. Rumor has it that the Eagles will come hard at the Jets for the pick, if Mariota is still available at number six.

For purposes of this post, let’s say the Jets stay at number six. Let’s look back at the last five drafts, and see who was chosen with the number six pick. Has this spot had a recent history of successful players? Have there been a lot of busts at number six in the draft? Let’s take a look back in time and find out.

Next: 2010 Draft

Dec 28, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks left tackle

(76) defends against St. Louis Rams linebacker

(52) at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

In 2010, Russell Okung was chosen with the number six pick of the draft by the Seattle Seahawks. Okung has been starting at left tackle ever since. Offensive line play has been key to the Seahawks success, especially for running back Marshawn Lynch.

Okung has been elected to one Pro Bowl so far (2012). At 27 years old, Russell Okung isn’t going anywhere, and will be protecting Russell Wilson‘s blind side for years to come.

The decade started out with a talented choice with the number six pick in the 2010 draft.

Next: 2011 Draft

Dec 21, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver

(11) looks on prior to the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

2011 yielded another great pick at number six in the draft. Julio Jones was chosen by the Atlanta Falcons, and he became an immediate threat in the Falcons offense.

Receiving & Rushing

When healthy, Julio Jones has been an absolute beast.  Jones was elected to the Pro Bowl in both seasons when he posted over 1,000 yards.  In an outstanding showing, even in 2013, Jones has averaged over 100 receiving yards per game over the last two years.  Jones is a fantasy football freak, and a nightmare for Falcons’ opponents.

Next: 2012 Draft

Oct 27, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA;Detroit Lions running back

(21) stiff arms Dallas Cowboys cornerback

(24) during 1st half of a game at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit:

-USA TODAY Sports

2012 was a lean year for the number six pick in the draft. Morris Claiborne was the choice, made by the Dallas Cowboys. Claiborne had a nose for the football in college, and had high expectations coming into the NFL. He hasn’t reached those to date.

For his career, Claiborne has never posted more than 55 combined tackles, or more than one interception. He has also recorded only 16 passes defended over three years. Hardly a ball hawk, if you ask me. At least not yet.

Is Claiborne a draft bust? Possibly.

Next: 2013 Draft

Dec 14, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals guard

(65) blocks versus the Cleveland Browns outside linebacker

(51) at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports

This was a pick I was interested in for our New York Jets. Barkevious Mingo was chosen with the sixth pick of the 2013 draft by the Cleveland Browns. He came into the league as one of the more dominant edge pass rushers, and that was what he was expected to bring to the table.

In his rookie season, Mingo posted five sacks to go along with 42 combined tackles. He saw more time last season, yet only posted two sacks (same 42 combined tackles). Mingo has added to the Browns defense, but hasn’t been the dominant force he was expected to be.

I would give this draft pick a middle grade at best.

Next: 2014 Draft

Dec 14, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons tackle

(70) is introduced before their game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at the Georgia Dome. The Steelers won 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Our final number six pick is looking out for Matt Ryan‘s blind side. Jake Matthews was chosen by the Falcons in last year’s draft. He started right away at left tackle, and started 15 games at the position last year. According to Pro Football Focus, Matthews was at the bottom of the league at the tackle position, with a -36.8 overall grade. We can’t call him a draft bust yet, but that obviously isn’t a good start.

So, the position of number six in the draft has been up and down over the last five years. There have been some terrific players, and some not so much.

It’s just interesting to look at, and look back at, as the Jets prepare to work from the number six pick in the draft.

Next: The Jets Schedule in Four Quarters

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