New York Jets Top 10 First-Round Picks of All-Time
By Nick Ziegler
Nov 9, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; A NFL football with the Armed Services logo during the NFL game between the New York Jets and the Pittsburgh Steelers at MetLife Stadium. The Jets defeated the Steelers 20-13. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
With the third overall pick in the 1981 NFL Draft, the Jets selected running back Freeman McNeil from UCLA. McNeil would go on to play his entire 12-year career with the Jets.
In his second year in the league, McNeil would make the Pro Bowl with 786 yards, six touchdowns with 5.2 YPC in just nine games. In his other two Pro Bowl seasons, McNeil would have 1,070 yards with five touchdowns in 1984, and then his career year would be in 1985 with 1,331 yards.
McNeil complied impressive receiving stats over the course of his career with the Jets, as he had 295 receptions for 2,961 yards.
When he retired, McNeil was the Jets’ all-time leading-rusher, a record he would hold until Curtis Martin would overtake him. A great career with the Jets led to McNeil being placed in the Jets Ring of Honor, as he was one of the best running backs in franchise history.
Next: 1985 NFL Draft