A Look Back: The New York Jets 2006 Draft Class

Sep 25, 2011; Oakland, CA, USA; New York Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum during the game against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports

As we approach the NFL draft, now 16 days away, we continue looking back. In addition to looking at mock drafts and potential Jets choices, we have been looking back at past draft classes. We have been evaluating the players’ value since being chosen, and giving the class a grade.

Tonight, we are looking back at Tanny’s first draft class, the 2006 group. As surprising as it sounds this was a great class, and a great first impression left by Tanny. Let’s refresh your memory as to who was chosen:

Not too bad for a guy that we all pretty much feel has no clue, huh? See what happens when you actually have a lot of picks, like I have said all along? Let’s review.

The two choices on the first round were obvious home runs, D’Brickashaw and Nick. Nothing else needs to be said about those two. Great job.

The next two rounds were swings and misses. Kellen Clemens on the second round was supposed to be the quarterback of the future…..yeah how did that work out? I don’t think he could beat out anyone reading this post for the starting QB job. Anthony Schlegel, chosen in the third round, played 4 games as a Jet. Moving on.

The next three choices were names we all know, two of whom we love, one we are indifferent about. The next three choices were Eric Smith, Brad Smith, and Leon Washington. Like him or not, Eric Smith played a significant role on the team for several years, especially on special teams. We had many thrills thanks to Leon Washington and his ability in space. And then of course we have the triple threat of Brad Smith. He became even more valuable this year when they tried to replace him with Tim Tebow. I think we all missed Brad Smith just a little bit more in 2012.

Jason Pociask and Titus Adams went the way of a lot of late round draft choices. Drew Coleman, however, chosen on the 6th round, was a decent 5th/6th defensive back for five years in the green and white.

THE GRADE

Well, we had 2 stars chosen in Nick and Ferguson. Coleman, Washington, and Brad Smith make 3 good players. Eric Smith was OK and the rest were no good.

I am going to give this group, because of how good Mangold, D’Brick, Washington, and Brad Smith were, an A-.

Agree?