New York Jets: Top 10 Draft Picks Since the Year 2000: #2

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 Harris09. Mark Sanchez08. Laveranues Coles07. Shaun Ellis06. Chad Pennington05. Leon Washington04. Jerricho Cotchery03. 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