New York Jets: First Draft Picks of New General Managers

Jan 21, 2015; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets new general manager Mike Maccagnan speaks during a press conference at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: William Perlman/NJ Advance Media for NJ.com via USA TODAY Sports

Mike Magganan is entering his first draft as the general manager of the New York Jets in a couple of months. It’s a big one, as it is going to show us a real look at the direction Maccagnan is going to take the New York Jets. I know I am looking forward to it.

The New York Jets have had an up and down history when it comes to the NFL draft, to say the least. We could post several posts regarding the mistakes the Jets have made in the draft over the years.

With that, I thought it might be fun to look back through recent history, and look at the first draft picks of recent Jets general managers. How did they fair with their first pick? Let’s take a trip down memory lane.

Next: Terry Bradway's Pick

Nov 23, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Washington Redskins wide receiver

(89) stands on the field before the start of the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi

Way back in 2001, Terry Bradway took over for Bill Parcells as general manager of the New York Jets. He had the 16th pick of the first round, and he drafted Santana Moss.

Moss posted his best year with the Jets in 2003 when he caught 74 passes for 1,105 yards and 10 touchdowns. Aside from that, his four years in Gang Green were mediocre at best, though he did average over 18 yards per catch in 2004.

DRAFT GRADE: C+

Next: Mike Tannenbaum's Pick

I think we all know this big fella. Mike Tannebaum led his first draft in 2006, and was handed the number four pick. The choice was D’Brickashaw Ferguson.

Every quarterback needs a guy blocking his blind side, and that was exactly what the Jets had in mind when they chose Ferguson in the 2006 draft. He has done just that, holding the left tackle position ever since. He has gone to multiple Pro Bowls, and been a steady force for all of these years.

By the way, Tannebaum chose Nick Mangold in the same first round, in case anyone forgot.

DRAFT GRADE: A

Next: John Idzik's Pick

Sep 14, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver

(87) catches a 33 yard pass with New York Jets cornerback

(27) defending during the second half of a game at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

In 2013, some guy that we want to forget named John Idzik took over. After sending Darrelle Revis to Tampa Bay, the Jets had two draft picks in the first round, number 9 and 13. Sheldon Richardson came with the number 13 pick, but we are looking at the very first pick.

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Dee Milliner was that choice. We all know the Milliner story. He had injury issues in college, and those have continued in the pros. Admittedly, Milliner has had some difficulty adjusting when he has been healthy. He has shown spurts of great ability, but has not been able to sustain it. Injuries have kept us from fully evaluating him, but early returns have not been good.

DRAFT GRADE: INCOMPLETE

For the most part, new general managers for the Jets have done a good job with their first draft pick. At least the ones that are familiar with football players have.

Next: Fansided Mock Draft