How have the New York Jets fared with their first-round picks in the NFL Draft over the years? Much like the franchise itself, New York has been volatile in Round 1, particularly in the modern era. There’s still a desire for more consistency, and some of the Jets’ early selections in the 21st century provide the blueprint.
New York Jets First-Round Draft Picks Throughout History
The Jets’ draft history with first-round picks is oft-maligned. Across the franchise’s entire history, spanning back to 1961, New York has only selected three eventual Hall of Famers in Round 1. That’s the same number of Jets QB selections that have flamed out since 2009 (Mark Sanchez, Sam Darnold, Zach Wilson).
Still, the Jets’ Hall of Fame selections help provide a blueprint for New York to follow on the broad scale. Joe Namath was famous for his clutch ability and cool demeanor in crucial moments. John Riggins was renowned for his tone-setting physicality. And Darrelle Revis, the team’s most recent HOF inductee, was dubbed “Revis Island” for his lockdown coverage on the boundary.
2024
- Olu Fashanu | Pick 11
OT, Penn State
2023
- Will McDonald IV | Pick 15
EDGE, Iowa State
2022
- Ahmad Gardner | Pick 4
CB, Cincinnati - Garrett Wilson | Pick 10
WR, Ohio State - Jermaine Johnson | Pick 26
EDGE, Florida State
2021
- Zach Wilson | Pick 2
QB, BYU - Alijah Vera-Tucker | Pick 14
OL, USC
2020
- Mekhi Becton | Pick 11
OT, Louisville
2019
- Quinnen Williams | Pick 3
DT, Alabama
2018
- Sam Darnold | Pick 3
QB, USC
2017
- Jamal Adams | Pick 6
S, LSU
2016
- Darron Lee | Pick 20
OLB, Ohio State
2015
- Leonard Williams | Pick 6
DE, USC
2014
- Calvin Pryor | Pick 18
DB, Louisville
2013
- Dee Milliner | Pick 9
DB, Alabama - Sheldon Richardson | Pick 13
DT, Missouri
2012
- Quinton Coples | Pick 16
DE, North Carolina
2011
- Muhammad Wilkerson | Pick 30
DT, Temple
2010
- Kyle Wilson | Pick 29
DB, Boise State
2009
- Mark Sanchez | Pick 5
QB, USC
2008
- Vernon Gholston | Pick 6
DE, Ohio State - Dustin Keller | Pick 30
TE, Purdue
2007
- Darrelle Revis* | Pick 14
DB, Pittsburgh
2006
- D’Brickashaw Ferguson | Pick 4
OT, Virginia - Nick Mangold | Pick 29
C, Ohio State
2005
The Jets traded the 26th pick to the Oakland Raiders.
2004
- Jonathan Vilma | Pick 12
LB, Miami (FL)
2003
- Dewayne Robertson | Pick 4
DT, Kentucky
2002
- Bryan Thomas | Pick 22
DE, UAB
2001
- Santana Moss | Pick 16
WR, Miami (FL)
2000
- Shaun Ellis | Pick 12
DE, Tennessee - John Abraham | Pick 13
DE, South Carolina - Chad Pennington | Pick 18
QB, Marshall - Anthony Becht | Pick 27
TE, West Virginia
1999
The Jets traded the 28th pick to the New England Patriots.
1998
The Jets traded the 18th pick to the New England Patriots.
1997
- James Farrior | Pick 8
LB, Virginia
1996
- Keyshawn Johnson | Pick 1
WR, USC
1995
- Kyle Brady | Pick 9
TE, Penn State - Hugh Douglas | Pick 16
DE, Central State (OH)
1994
- Aaron Glenn | Pick 12
DB, Texas A&M
1993
- Marvin Jones | Pick 4
LB, Florida State
1992
- Johnny Mitchell | Pick 15
TE, Nebraska
1991
The Jets used this draft pick for 1990 supplemental pick wide receiver Rob Moore.
1990
- Blair Thomas | Pick 2
RB, Penn State
1989
- Jeff Lageman | Pick 14
DE, Virginia
1988
- Dave Cadigan | Pick 8
G, USC
1987
- Roger Vick | Pick 21
RB, Texas A&M
1986
- Mike Haight | Pick 22
G, Iowa
1985
- Al Toon | Pick 10
WR, Wisconsin
1984
- Russell Carter | Pick 10
DB, SMU - Ron Faurot | Pick 15
DE, Arkansas
1983
- Ken O’Brien | Pick 24
QB, UC Davis
1982
- Bob Crable | Pick 23
LB, Notre Dame
1981
- Freeman McNeil | Pick 3
RB, UCLA
1980
- Lam Jones | Pick 2
WR, Texas
1979
- Marty Lyons | Pick 14
DE, Alabama
1978
- Chris Ward | Pick 4
OT, Ohio State
1977
- Marvin Powell | Pick 4
OT, USC
1976
- Richard Todd | Pick 6
QB, Alabama
1975
The Jets traded their first-round pick to the New Orleans Saints.
1974
- Carl Barzilauskas | Pick 6
DT, Indiana
1973
- Burgess Owens | Pick 13
DB, Miami (FL)
1972
- Jerome Barkum | Pick 9
TE, Jackson State - Michael Taylor | Pick 20
LB, Michigan
1971
- John Riggins* | Pick 6
RB, Kansas
1970
- Steve Tannen | Pick 20
DB, Florida
1969
- Dave Foley | Pick 26
OT, Ohio State
1968
- Lee White | Pick 17
RB, Weber St.
1967
- Paul Seiler | Pick 12
C, Notre Dame
1966
- William Yearby | Pick 13
DE, Michigan
1965
- Joe Namath* | Pick 1
QB, Alabama
1965
- Tom Nowatzke | Pick 4
FB, Indiana
1964
- Matt Snell | Pick 3
RB, Ohio State
1963
- Jerry Stovall | Pick 3
DB, LSU
1962
- Sandy Stephens | Pick 5
QB, Minnesota
1961
- Tom Brown | Pick 2
G, Minnesota
*Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame
