New York Jets: Five best value draft picks since 1977
1. Joe Klecko
It didn’t take a lot to put Joe Klecko at number one. For those of us that remember watching him play, all you need to remember is that he was chosen in the sixth round of the 1977 draft. The sixth round! He wouldn’t have had to do much to be a value pick at that level. What he did, however, was absolutely remarkable. Klecko did things that likely will never be repeated.
We will go briefly through it for our younger fans. Most have heard of the “New York Sack Exchange”, the defensive line, including Klecko, that posted 66 sacks in 1981. Klecko posted 20.5 sacks that season to lead the team, although they weren’t an official stat yet. Before his knee troubles began, Klecko was a prolific pass rusher. But that isn’t even the complete reason why he is number one.
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Joe Klecko was selected to the Pro Bowl at three different positions. He started on the outside at defensive end, worked his way to tackle, and when the scheme changed he moved to nose tackle. He was selected to the Pro Bowl at each position. You likely will never see a player change positions with that kind of ease again. That is why Klecko is number one.
Honorable mention players would include Mickey Shuler, Brad Smith, Lance Mehl, Bobby Jackson and of course Mo Lewis. Lewis comes down for me a bit, only because he began the career of that guy in New England named Brady. Back off on Bledsoe! Sorry.
Anyway, feel free to comment your thoughts on the list here or on social media.