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The Greatest First-Round Picks in Jets History
The Ones Who Changed Everything
Apr. 13, 2026 at 9:52pm
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Iconic Jets players from the past and present collide in a cubist-inspired illustration, capturing the team's storied history and hopeful future.NYC TodayThe 2026 NFL Draft is just weeks away, with the New York Jets holding the 2nd and 16th overall picks in the first round. While the team has had some high-profile misses, several excellent players have made an impact as first-round selections for the Jets over the years.
Why it matters
The Jets will be hoping to land a game-changing, franchise-altering player with their top picks. Looking back at the best first-round selections in team history provides context on the type of impact those picks can have, both positive and negative.
The details
The Jets have had several standout first-round picks, including quarterback Joe Namath, wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson, center Nick Mangold, and cornerback Darrelle Revis. These players helped transform the team and left a lasting legacy, even if the overall team success was mixed. The 2026 draft offers the Jets another chance to find a franchise-defining talent in the first round.
- The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in a couple weeks.
- Joe Namath was drafted 2nd overall by the Jets in 1965.
- Keyshawn Johnson was the 1st overall pick by the Jets in 1996.
- Nick Mangold was selected 29th overall by the Jets in 2006.
- Darrelle Revis was the 14th overall pick by the Jets in 2007.
The players
Joe Namath
A Hall of Fame quarterback who was drafted 2nd overall by the Jets in 1965 and led the team to their only Super Bowl victory in 1968.
Keyshawn Johnson
A wide receiver who was the 1st overall pick by the Jets in 1996, making two Pro Bowls during his four seasons in New York.
Nick Mangold
A center who was selected 29th overall by the Jets in 2006 and made seven Pro Bowls, the most of any Jets draft pick.
Darrelle Revis
A shutdown cornerback who was the 14th overall pick by the Jets in 2007, earning four Pro Bowl selections and three first-team All-Pro honors.
The takeaway
The Jets' history of first-round draft picks shows the transformative impact those selections can have, both positively and negatively. As the team looks to the 2026 draft, they'll be hoping to find the next franchise-altering talent to lead them back to the Super Bowl for the first time in over 50 years.
