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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
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2. Sauce Gardner - Fourth Overall

Jan 7, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner (1) talks with
Jan 7, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner (1) talks with / Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

The first of three picks in Joe Douglas' 2022 draft class, Sauce Gardner has lived up to the hype through two seasons with the Jets. Arguably, Gardner is the best cornerback in the league, being named to the first-team All-Pro twice, the Pro Bowl twice, and winning the Defensive Rookie of the Year. Cornerback is one of the hardest positions to transition from college to the NFL and yet, Gardner's done it flawlessly.

Gardner has seemingly helped change the culture of the Jets, bringing back the vibes of the Rex Ryan teams. If the Jets are going to win the AFC East in 2024, Gardner will play a massive part taking away an opponent's lead receiver on a weekly basis. The Jets have a franchise cornerstone for years to come in Gardner and the sky is truly the limit for his career.

1. Quinnen Williams - Third Overall

Dec 17, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; New York Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams (95)
Dec 17, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; New York Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams (95) / Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Quinnen Williams just edges out Gardner based on his longevity but, that's not saying that Williams hasn't been outstanding.

Through five seasons, Williams has recorded 253 tackles, 33 sacks, a safety, five forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and an interception. Williams has only gotten better being named to the first-team All-Pro in 2022 while making the Pro Bowl in 2022 and 2023.

Having a dominant defense starts in the trenches and Quinnen Williams has helped apply the pressure to allow everyone else to succeed. Williams doesn't get the massive sack totals of edge rushers. However, his presence and pressures are more important as quarterbacks see him coming. As Williams starts his second contract with the team, he'll continue to be a massive reason for the team's success as he enters his prime.

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