Dec. 30, 2012; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New York Jets guard Brandon Moore (65) looks to make a block during the first half against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

Through the years, Brandon Moore has been one of the most consistent players the franchise has seen. After joining the Jets in 2003, he cracked the starting lineup in 2004, and other than 3 games that year, he did not miss a start through 2012. He has been a consistently high ranked guard, and one that has been an anchor on the offensive line.

But, he does not qualify for the countdown, because he was signed by the Jets as an undrated rookie. This is a countdown of the 10 best draft picks since the year 2000. Here is the list so far:

10. David Harris
09. Mark Sanchez
08. Laveranues Coles
07. Shaun Ellis
06. Chad Pennington
05. Leon Washington
04. Jerricho Cotchery
03. D’Brickashaw Ferguson

And now, onto the second selection.  The choice was an offensive lineman, who was picked the same year as D’Brickashaw Ferguson.  He was the 29th pick overall in the 2006 NFL draft, and, if you don’t know who it is by now, just think “beard” and you will have it.

The pick?

NICK MANGOLD

After coming along in 2006, Mangold started every game he had been in.  Nick is a force to be reckoned with in the center of the Jets’ offensive line.  Some of the most interesting in-game battles to watch are the ones whee Nick Mangold goes up a against a house, like Vince Wilfork.  Watching Nick work, is a great study in line play.

His performance did reflect his hard work, as Nick Mangold received 4 Pro-Bowl nominations, and has been named to the All Pro team three times.  And who can forget his beard?  His beard could be picked on its own in the first round every year.

You might wonder what puts Nick Mangold soundly into the second position over D’Brickashaw Ferguson.  I’ll tell you.  It is how the team fell apart with Nick out of the lineup.  Remember the games he missed in 2011?  Do I need to say anything else besides, Colin Baxter?  He was totally lost on that field, and Mark Sanchez needed his center back in the worst way.  Heck, Colin could have been charged with assault on his QB.

Nick Mangold is essentially the QB of the offensive line, calling out all of the blocking schemes.  He makes the offensive line tick, and without him, the offensive line falls apart.  No matter

Oct 14, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets center Nick Mangold (74) on the sidelines against the Indianapolis Colts during the second half at MetLife Stadium. Jets won 35-9. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports

As we make our way toward the draft, we continue our countdown of the top five Jets’ draft picks in the 2000′s. Heck, enough is said about the miscues we have made in the draft, it’s nice to celebrate our successes, isn’t it? Not enough of the “experts” do that, so it is my job to take care of that. With pleasure.

So far, we have covered: Shaun Ellis (#5)
Muhammad Wilkerson (#4)
and D’Brickashaw Ferguson (#3)

And now, the second best draft pick of the 2000′s.  We know him, and we know his beard.  He is one of the most talented, important members of this team.  You know who it is, the number two choice is:

NICK MANGOLD

Chosen in the first round of the 2006 draft along with D’Brickashaw Ferguson, Nick has shown his value to the team, both on the field and off.  He has started every game since he put on a Jets uniform aside from the two games he missed due to injury.

Remember those two games he missed?  Mark Sanchez looked like a guy that lost his best friend in those games, and with good reason.  Colin Baxter, Nick’s backup, looked like he didn’t belong on a football field, much less an NFL football field.  Nick was almost the MVP of the team after those two games.

Mangold has been to the Pro Bowl 4 times, and is a three time All-Pro.  D’Brickashaw may be an anchor of this Jets’ offensive line, but Nick Mangold is THE anchor of the offensive line.  To quote Reggie Jackson from the 1970′s, Nick Mangold is “The straw that stirs the drink.”

This team would fall completely apart without Nick Mangold.  He handles all of the calls on the offensive line, and he makes this group go forward.  And that is why he is a no-brainer to make this list.

I think you all know who the number one player is going to be, but I will bring it to you anyway.  Stay tuned.

September 16, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; New York Jets offensive tackle D

Dec. 2, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets center Nick Mangold (74) on the bench against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half at MetLife Stadium. Jets won 7-6. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports

We have talked about the Jets offensive line, and why the Jets can get back to the playoffs on the back of this group. Despite the rough start in 2012, the group rebounded to be one of the top groups in the league once again. And they are led by their two stars, D’Brickashaw Fergsuon and Nick Mangold.

Why are they the best? Consistency.

You look at their grades overall in 2012 and you know how good they are. Nick Mangold posted a PFF grade of 20.5, and D’Brickashaw Ferguson posted a 23.5, putting both of them in the top 10 at their respective positions. However, when you look at their week by week grades, you see how good they really were:

D’Brick, for example, posted only 4 negative rated games all season long, and one was a -0.1. On the positive end, he posted six grades of over 2.0, which included a 3.5, a 4.1, and a 6.5. He rebounded off of a rough 2011 to have a stellar, consistent, 2012.

Nick Mangold was his ever consistent self as well. Nick only posted 3 negative grades all season long. He posted 7 games of over a 2.0 grade, and a whopping 5 that were greater than 4.0. Nick is the best, and he is as consistent as they come.