Ranking NY Jets' biggest NFL draft gems of the last decade

2. Breece Hall, RB, NY Jets - 2nd round, 36th overall (2022)

Breece Hall wasn't drafted nearly as late as the other players on this list, and perhaps you can argue it's a little early to put him this high, but it's hard to deny he's not one of the best value picks the Jets have made over the last decade.

The Jets actually moved up two slots in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft to select Hall, and it didn't take long for that to look like a wise decision. Hall was outstanding in seven games as a rookie before a torn ACL cut short what could have been a historic rookie season.

Fortunately for the Jets, Hall returned and showed no signs of rust in 2023. The former Iowa State star finished fourth in the entire NFL in scrimmage yards behind only Christian McCaffrey, CeeDee Lamb, and Tyreek Hill.

Hall has firmly established himself as one of the best offensive players in the NFL by just his second season. He may not be a late-round pick, but landing a player of his caliber outside of the first round is enough to qualify him for a spot on this list.

1. Michael Carter II, CB, NY Jets - 5th round, 154th overall (2021)

On a defense loaded with star power, Michael Carter II often gets overlooked when it comes to national attention. Players like Sauce Gardner, Quinnen Williams, Quincy Williams, and C.J. Mosley have all received national recognition in the form of accolades.

Carter may not have their name value, but he's one of the best players in the NFL at his position. A fifth-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, it didn't take long for Carter to find a home as the Jets' starting nickel cornerback, winning the job in his very first summer with the team.

In his three years with the Jets, Carter has developed into arguably a top-three nickel cornerback in football. His 0.594 yards allowed per cover snap ranked fourth among all 77 qualified cornerbacks (slot and boundary) in 2023.

Carter ranks near the top in every metric for slot cornerbacks, helping complete what is surely the best cornerback trio in the NFL. Not bad for the 154th overall player taken in his draft class.