Ranking the top 10 wide receivers in NY Jets history

6. Keyshawn Johnson, WR, NY Jets

Keyshawn Johnson, the first overall pick in the 1996 NFL Draft, brought his immense talent and personality to the Jets. While his time with the team was brief, from 1996 to 1999, Johnson's impact was felt. His combination of size, strength, and route-running skills made him a reliable target for Jets quarterbacks.

Johnson got off to a rocky start with the Jets in year one as the team limped to a 1-15 record. Johnson, the first overall pick and crowned the franchise cornerstone, put up 63 catches for 844 yards. However, what Johnson would help do the rest of his tenure earns him a spot on this list.

Johnson would thrive under coach Bill Parcells despite their public disagreements and issues. He would earn two Pro Bowl nods in 1998 and 1999 and carry the Jets to the 1998 AFC Championship Game, where they would lose to the Denver Broncos.

Johnson would finish his Jets tenure with 305 catches, 4,100 yards, and 31 touchdowns. He ranks 12th all-time in Jets receiving yards, 12th in catches, and eighth in touchdowns. Despite huge expectations and a relatively short stint with the team, he still posted huge numbers with the awards and team success to match them.

5. Laveranues Coles, WR, NY Jets

Laveranues Coles had two stints with the Jets, from 2000 to 2002 and again from 2005 to 2008. His speed, agility, and toughness made him a reliable target for Jets' quarterbacks. Coles consistently produced throughout his Jets career and ranks among the franchise leaders in receptions and receiving yards.

Coles finished with 459 catches, 5,941 yards, and 37 touchdowns while playing with the team. He ranks fifth all-time in Jets history for yards, fourth in catches, and fifth in touchdowns.

However, he falls much closer to his natural spot when looking at his receptions per game (ninth), yards per game (ninth), and approximate value of receivers (sixth).

Had Coles not left the Jets for a couple of his prime seasons that were spent in Washington, he would have ranked far higher on this list. For context, Coles tallied an additional 172 catches, 2,100 yards, and seven touchdowns in just two seasons with Washington.

Nonetheless, Coles deservedly earns a top 10 spot in the receivers rankings for the duration of his career with the Jets and for his consistent play across seven good seasons.