Top 10 No. 16 picks in NFL history shows Jets can land a star

While the New York Jets are currently debating picking either Ohio State's Arvell Reese or Texas Tech's David Bailey with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, fans also need to hope that Darren Mougey hits a home run with the No. 16 pick.

The selection, which originally belonged to the Indianapolis Colts before the Sauce Gardner trade, has been the spot for a few Hall of Fame-level talents in past seasons.

Picking a player half as good as one of these 10 players can be considered a huge win for Mougey and this front office.

Top 10 No. 16 picks in NFL history

10. Jevon Kearse, DE, Tennessee Titans (1999)

When you come into the NFL with a nickname like "The Freak," you have to ball out. The Florida product did that multiple times over. While he tallied 36 sacks in his first three Pro Bowl-worthy seasons, Kearse's late-career dip prevents him from being a bit higher up here.

9. Santana Moss, WR, New York Jets (2001)

Even though Moss was selected by the Jets, most of his career was spent in Washington. The Miami speed demon recorded over 10,000 career receiving yards and 66 touchdowns, putting him in a tier of player that very few others managed to reach in their careers.

8. Raymond Clayborn, CB, New England Patriots (1977)

Clayborn went from a hyped Texas defensive back to the greatest non-Mike Haynes defensive back in Patriots history until the 90s came around. A three-time Pro Bowler who played 13 of his 15 NFL seasons in New England, Clayborn ended his career wth 36 career interceptions, which is tied with Ty Law for most in franchise history.

7. Luis Sharpe, OT, St. Louis Cardinals (1982)

For the St. Louis, Phoenix, and Arizona Cardinals, the Cuban-born Sharpe was named a Pro Bowler three times and an All-Pro twice during his 13-year career. The UCLA alum remains one of the greatest tackles in the history of the ancient Cardinals franchise.

6. Chester McGlockton, DT, Los Angeles Raiders (1992)

McGlockton may not have lived up to billing with the Chiefs, but he was one of the best defensive tackles of the early 1990s for the Raiders. With four straight Pro Bowl seasons and three straight years with an All-Pro nomination, the late great Clemson star was as disruptive as possible.

5. Marlon Humphrey, CB, Baltimore Ravens (2017)

His recent downturn should not obscure what has been a home-run pick. Humphrey's Alabama success translated to the NFL to the tune of four Pro Bowls and a few First Team All-Pro nods. Humphrey played a big role in some Ravens defenses that made a handful of deep playoff runs.

4. Julian Peterson, LB, San Francisco 49ers (2000)

Peterson was one of the best pass-rushing linebackers of his era. With five Pro Bowls, two All-Pros, and a successful career with both San Francisco and Seattle, Michigan State's finest remains under-appreciated for how versatile and productive he was.

3. Troy Polamalu, S, Pittsburgh Steelers (2003)

Polamalu went from a fiery safety out of USC to a legend of the game who set the standard for how players at his position can move around a defense and play multiple roles. Polamalu helped pave the way for all the All-Pro safeties who came after him.

2. Zack Martin, OG, Dallas Cowboys (2014)

If Martin does not waltz into Canton on the first ballot, there's something very wrong with the entire process. The Notre Dame great was perhaps the premier right guard in all of football from the moment he stepped on the field, making Pro Bowls and All-Pro teams every year he was healthy.

1. Jerry Rice, WR, San Francisco 49ers (1985)

Not only is Rice, from tiny Mississippi Valley State, the greatest wide receiver ever by such a wide margin that no one else is even in consideration for that title, but he has a case to be made for the greatest player to ever strap on a helmet. Not bad for someone picked behind Ethan Horton.