New York Jets: Top 5 Wide Receivers Of All-Time

Jul 27, 2013; Cortland, NY, USA; General view of a New York Jets helmet during training camp at SUNY Cortland. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

When it comes to the New York Jets, they’ve had a solid amount of top wide receivers. We here at The Jet Press recently listed the top 10 wide receivers of all-time so I wanted to chime in my own thoughts to narrow down such a list to simply 5.

Wide receiver is one of the most important positions on the field in the NFL. They are what allow the quarterback to show off and are also the consistent lifeline to get the job done. There is an age old argument whether the quarterback makes the receiver or the receiver makes the quarterback. The Jets have had plenty of quality receivers over the years so it’s safe to say that both go hand in hand at the end of the day.

Here is my list of the top 5 wide receivers to ever play for Gang Green!

Next: The First Overall Pick

Oct 10, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans former player Keyshawn Johnson leads players onto the field before the game against the Arizona Wildcats at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. USC defeated Arizona 38-31. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

5. Keyshawn Johnson

In 1996, the Jets selected wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson with the 1st overall pick. Keyshawn was one of the most talented players in the ‘96 draft as he was able to contribute immediately for the Jets once he stepped foot on the field.

Johnson only played for the Jets for four seasons, but did produce what was expected of him. In four seasons with the Jets, Johnson accumulated 305 recorded receptions for 4,108 yards, 13.47 yards per catch and 31 touchdowns.

Although Johnson was a top receiver for the Jets, his rivalry with other receivers on the team caused him to be traded. Rob Moore came close to being on my list with his stats but was just bumped by Johnson.

Next: The Recurring Player

Jul 27, 2013; Cortland, NY, USA; General view of a New York Jets helmet during training camp at SUNY Cortland. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

4. Laveranues Coles

The Jets drafted Laveranues Coles in the third round with the 78th overall pick in the 2000 NFL Draft. Coles had four stints with the Jets over his career and brought a ton of incredible memories due to his relentless effort to always keep those chains moving.

Coles first touchdown catch with the Jets came during one of the most memorable games in the famous “Monday Night Miracle” against the Miami Dolphins. Coles had seven total years with the Jets.

He recorded a total of 459 receptions for the Jets for 5,941 yards, 12.94 average, and 37 touchdowns.

Next: Toon Time

Jul 27, 2013; Cortland, NY, USA; General view of a New York Jets helmet during training camp at SUNY Cortland. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

3. Al Toon

Al Toon was drafted in the first round of the 1985 NFL Draft with the 10th overall pick. Toon quickly became a fan favorite and began his long career with the Jets due to his consistency on the field.

Toon spent eight years with the Jets between 1985-1992. In those eight years spent with the Jets, Toon recorded around 517 catches for 6,605 yards, 12.78 yards per catch and 31 touchdowns.

Toon has remained a staple in top wide receivers lists for quite some time. So much so, many consider him to be the best wide receiver to ever wear the green and white. In my opinion however, he was etched out by one other athlete to be truly the greatest of all-time at the position.

Next: The Fan Favorite!

Jul 27, 2013; Cortland, NY, USA; General view of a New York Jets helmet during training camp at SUNY Cortland. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

2. Wayne Chrebet

Wayne Chrebet was given a chance by the Jets for a walk on position and had to prove himself in training camp. One story that’s iconic with Chrebet’s career is that on the first day of training camp, a security guard did not allow Chrebet into the facility due to the guard thinking he was too small to be an actual player.

Chrebet went on to have an amazing training camp and preseason with the Jets and earned a definitive spot on the roster. He was one of the most loved players on the Jets by fans. He always appealed to the everyday man and gained notoriety from his ability to catch almost anything coming his way.

Chrebet spent his whole eleven year career with the Jets. He recorded 580 receptions for 7,365 yards, an average of 12.70 yards per catch and 41 touchdowns. He will forever be in the minds of Jets fans as one of the all-time best players to ever play for the franchise.

Next: The Old Veteran

Jul 27, 2013; Cortland, NY, USA; General view of a New York Jets helmet during training camp at SUNY Cortland. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

1. Don Maynard

Don Maynard was drafted in initially by the New York Giants but ended up on the Jets in 1960. He is one of the most well known amongst the Jets fan base and is one of the only wide receivers on the Jets to have won a Super Bowl.

Maynard had one of the longest careers with the Jets next to Wesley Walker. Maynard was on the Jets for thirteen years and was able to set many records with the franchise for his ability to always come through in the clutch when his team needed it.

In those thirteen years, Maynard accumulated 627 receptions for 11,732 yards, an average of 18.71 per catch and 88 touchdowns. Maynard’s stats will be hard for any wide receiver to reach, but his achievements and fact that he was an instrumental part in winning the Jets first and only championship so far will forever be remembered.

Next: New York Jets: Top 5 All-Time Quarterbacks

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