Empire Writes Back
Fansided

Ranking the New York Jets' Last 10 First-Round Picks, Worst to Best

Despite the overall failure, the Jets have had a rather great run of draft selections with their ten last first-round picks.

By Nicholas Rome

Feb 28, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New York Jets general manager Joe Douglas speaks at a press
Feb 28, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New York Jets general manager Joe Douglas speaks at a press / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next

5. Alijah Vera-Tucker - 14th Overall

Aug 12, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Jets guard Alijah Vera-Tucker (75) blocks
Aug 12, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Jets guard Alijah Vera-Tucker (75) blocks / Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Through three seasons with the Jets, Alijah Vera-Tucker has looked like one of the best linemen in football despite being asked to play several positions. The issue has been staying on the field as Vera-Tucker has missed most of 2022 and 2023 with a torn bicep and an Achilles injury.

The Jets made moves to solidify the tackle position acquiring Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses, allowing Vera-Tucker to play his best position; guard. If Vera-Tucker returns to his pre-injury form, the Jets' offensive line will be one of the best.

4. Jamal Adams - Sixth Overall

New York Jets strong safety Jamal Adams (33) celebrates after sacking Oakland Raiders quarterback
New York Jets strong safety Jamal Adams (33) celebrates after sacking Oakland Raiders quarterback / Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com via

The Jets' time with Jamal Adams came to an end sooner than many would've expected. However, he was a fantastic pick for the Jets. Adams played 46 games with the Jets recording 273 tackles, 12 sacks, 25 pass defenses, two interceptions, six forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, and scored two touchdowns.

Adams would voice his disappointment in the Jets' handling of his contract while being critical of Adam Gase as a leader before requesting a trade.

The trade of Jamal Adams is arguably one of the better parts of his career for the Jets, returning the team two first-round picks and a third-round pick. As a result of drafting Adams, the Jets also landed Garrett Wilson and Alijah Vera-Tucker while avoiding the years of Adams' career where he dealt with significant injuries.

3. Garrett Wilson - Tenth Overall

Dec 10, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson (17)
Dec 10, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson (17) / Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

The Jets have done little to help Garrett Wilson yet, but he's shown to be at least one of the ten best receivers in the NFL.

Through two seasons in New York, Wilson has played in all 34 games with 178 catches for 2,145 yards and seven touchdowns, winning Rookie of the Year in the 2022-23 season. Wilson has been incredible despite poor quarterback play spending the majority of his time catching passes from Zach Wilson, Mike White, Joe Flacco, Trevor Semien, and Tim Boyle.

The best thing for Garrett Wilson will be getting a full season with Aaron Rodgers as his quarterback which should help him reach career-highs across the board.

Once Aaron Rodgers retires, Wilson will be an incredible target for whichever quarterback the Jets select to be the heir to Rodgers. This season, Wilson will have a capable receiver on the other side in Mike Williams which should take some of the attention from opposing defenses away from Wilson.

Home/New York Jets