Ranking the New York Jets' Last 10 First-Round Picks, Worst to Best
Heading into the NFL Draft it's important to look at how the Jets have performed in the first round in recent history. Building your team through the first round is vital as these players become a key part of the next five years of your team at least on manageable contracts. Outside of drafting quarterbacks, the Jets have been dominant in the draft which is a key reason for the Jets' defensive success.
10. Zach Wilson - Second Overall
Missing on a quarterback sets you back years as an NFL team and the Jets certainly missed on Zach Wilson. The Jets landed the second overall pick in a highly touted quarterback class with Trevor Lawrence, Zach Wilson, Trey Lance, Justin Fields, and Mac Jones. It's hard to say the team misevaluated Wilson as four of the five quarterbacks picked have been moved by the team that picked them.
Through three seasons in New York, Wilson has played 34 games going 12-21 in starts, passing for 6,293 yards with 23 touchdowns and 25 interceptions while rushing for five touchdowns and fumbling 17 times. Wilson could never cut down on the turnovers in New York while making the easy throws difficult, ending his time in New York. Wilson will soon be cut or traded, officially ending his career with the Jets.
9. Sam Darnold - Third Overall
Before missing on Zach Wilson, the Jets missed on Sam Darnold, passing on Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson.
Darnold played in just 38 games for the team in three seasons as injuries and mononucleosis caused him to miss time during the regular seasons. Darnold finished his time in New York with a 13-25 record as a starter, passing for 8,097 yards with 45 touchdowns and 39 interceptions adding five rushing touchdowns and fumbling the ball 20 times, losing seven.
Darnold was never able to put it all together with the Jets as he couldn't make the jump after a decent second season. The reason Darnold just edges out Wilson is that the team was able to recoup some value on him receiving a fourth and sixth-round pick. Overall, the Jets' two misses at quarterback hurt a rather great run of draft picks.