New York Jets: Top 10 Draft Picks Since the Year 2000: #8

Apr 26, 2012; New York, NY, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell introduces defensive end Quinton Coples (North Carolina) as the 16th overall pick by the New York Jets in the 2012 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports

Pictured to the right is the last of Mike Tannenbaum’s first round picks, Quinton Coples. If you remember, there was a lot of debate at the time of the pick as to whether it was the right move. Many felt that the Jets should have taken guys like Melvin Ingram or Chandler Jones. The bottom line is that the jury is still out on this pick, overall.

And the Jets have had their share of duds in the draft, as we all know. Right, Big Vern? But, as much as people forget to give us credit, the Jets have had their share of success in the draft as well. As such, we are counting down the top 10 draft picks made by the Jets since the year 2000. So far, we have talked about:

#10 David Harris#9 Mark Sanchez

And now, the Jets’ number 8 best pick since 2000:

LAVERANUES COLES

Here is a guy that was a terrific member of the Jets, and had two different stays with the team.  He played  seven years in the Green and White, interrupted by a couple of years in Washington.  Here are his career stats:

Coles’ best years with the New York Jets were with Chad Pennington at quarterback. Pennington, who will appear on this list later in the week, was as efficient as any quarterback ever to wear the Green and White or any uniform, as he holds the record for completion percentage. He also had a special receiver relationship with Coles, as Coles played his two best seasons with Chad under center for most of the year, 2002 and 2006. Those seasons, Laveranues posted 89 and 91 catches, respectively.

He was able to shed a checkered past to become a leader with the Jets. Even as Chad Pennington moved to the Dolphins, and Coles was visably frustrated with how his friend was treated, he excelled with Brett Favre under center, catching 70 passes from the gun-slinger for 850 yards and matching a career high of 7 TDs.

The Jets held Laveranues in such high regard, that he was invited to training camp for a third term with the team in 2010. Although he didn’t make the team, the fact that he was asked back tells you what you need to know about the respect he earned from the New York Jets.

Here is a pretty good video tribute to Coles:

In my opinion, a clear choice to appear on this list. #87, Laveranues Coles.