Keyshawn Johnson: The Last WR to Go No. 1 in the NFL Draft

The Jets' bold 1996 pick of Keyshawn Johnson as the top overall selection remains a unique moment in NFL draft history.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 3:39pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a football game, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the players and action on the field. The vibrant colors and fragmented composition capture the energy and dynamism of the sport.Keyshawn Johnson's historic selection as the first overall pick in the 1996 NFL Draft represented a bold strategy by the Jets, one that paid dividends on the field but also highlighted the evolving value of the wide receiver position.Los Angeles Today

In 1996, the New York Jets made the surprising decision to select wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson with the first overall pick in the NFL Draft, a rare occurrence for the position. This article explores the unique circumstances that led to Johnson's historic selection, the lasting impact of his tenure with the Jets, and the broader trends that have made it increasingly unlikely for a wide receiver to be chosen first overall in recent decades.

Why it matters

Keyshawn Johnson's selection as the top pick in 1996 was a bold move by the Jets, one that paid dividends on the field but also represented a departure from the typical quarterback-centric approach of the NFL Draft. This story provides insight into the evolving value and importance of the wide receiver position in the modern NFL, as well as the broader strategic considerations that teams weigh when making their top selections.

The details

The Jets' decision to draft Keyshawn Johnson with the first overall pick in 1996 was influenced by a unique set of circumstances. That year's draft class was notably weak in terms of quarterback talent, removing the usual temptation to select a signal-caller. The Jets, seeking a charismatic star to redefine their franchise, found their man in Johnson, a larger-than-life personality from the bright lights of Los Angeles. Johnson's selection was a statement of intent, a move designed to bring a new identity to the Jets, one filled with pizzazz and playmaking ability.

  • Keyshawn Johnson was selected with the first overall pick in the 1996 NFL Draft.
  • Johnson spent four seasons with the Jets, producing some of the best receiving numbers in franchise history.

The players

Keyshawn Johnson

A wide receiver who was selected with the first overall pick in the 1996 NFL Draft by the New York Jets, becoming one of only two wide receivers to be chosen first overall since the common-draft era began in 1967.

New York Jets

The NFL franchise that selected Keyshawn Johnson with the first overall pick in the 1996 draft, a bold move designed to bring a new identity and star power to the team.

Jerry Rice

The highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL in Keyshawn Johnson's rookie year, earning $5.8 million annually.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba

A current NFL wide receiver who earns $42.2 million per year, reflecting the dramatic increase in earning power for the position over the past three decades.

Jeremiah Smith

An Ohio State wide receiver prospect who could be eligible for the 2027 NFL Draft and is considered a potential top pick, though the presence of highly-rated quarterback prospects in that class may make it unlikely for a wide receiver to be selected first overall.

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What’s next

The 2027 NFL Draft could be an interesting one, with Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith, a highly-rated receiver, eligible for selection. However, the presence of top quarterback prospects like Dante Moore and Arch Manning in that draft class means the likelihood of a wide receiver going first overall remains slim.

The takeaway

Keyshawn Johnson's selection as the top pick in 1996 remains a unique moment in NFL draft history, representing a bold strategy that paid dividends for the Jets. While it's unlikely we'll see another wide receiver go first overall anytime soon, Johnson's legacy as a trend-busting, competitive star will endure.