New York Jets: Five best value draft picks since 1977
3. Leon Washington
This list had to include the 5-8 Florida St. Seminole. This one was cool for me on the personal side. My Dad, who taught me everything I know about football, debated with me whether or not Washington was going to make the team. He thought he was too small, but I saw a role for him watching him that preseason. I took pride in being correct, not to mock him, but to show that I learned a lot about the game from him to be able to scout a player effectively.
Back to Leon. He came to New York the year after Rhodes as the second of two fourth round picks. Wow the Jets have had great success in this round. Sorry. As a running back he always served as the change of pace back. Washington never ran the ball more than he did as a rookie, 151 times for 650 yards. He was efficient, though, managing a 4.8 yards per carry average in four years with the team.
Washington also contributed 30 receptions per season, but he will be best remembered for his kick return skills. As the primary kickoff returner, Washington ran back three for touchdowns in his second season and four total with the Jets. With the rule changes it’s really an art we don’t see anymore; the long kickoff return. He averaged 25.5 yards per return while wearing the colors of the Gang Green.
A Pro Bowl appearance and the first team All-Pro is pretty good for a fourth round selection.