The NFL's Top 50 Draft Classes of the Decade: No. 37 New York Jets, 2006

37. New York Jets, 2006

Team Achievements: 32-32, 2 playoff berths, 2009 AFC Championship berth.
The Jets' 2006 Selections: D'Brickashaw Ferguson, OT, Virginia (No. 4)
Nick Mangold, C, Ohio State (No. 29) *
Kellen Clemens, QB, Oregon (No. 49)
Anthony Schlegel, LB, Ohio State (No. 76)
Eric Smith, S, Michigan St. (No. 97)
Brad Smith, WR, Missouri (No. 103)
Leon Washington, RB, Florida State (No. 117) **
Jason Pociask, TE, Wisconsin (No. 150)
Drew Coleman, CB, Texas Christian (No. 189)
Titus Adams, DT, Nebraska (No. 220)

* No. 29 pick received in John Abraham trade.
** Received from Chiefs, resulting from hire of Herman Edwards as head coach.

Class Accolades: Nick Mangold-2 Pro Bowls, 2009 All-Pro.
D'Brickashaw Ferguson- 2009 Pro Bowl, 64 consecutive regular-season starts.
Kellen Clemens- Only 5 career passing touchdowns to 11 interceptions.
Eric Smith- 14 starts as Jets' safety in 4 years.
Brad Smith- 5 career touchdowns as receiver, passer, rusher, and returner.
Leon Washington- 2008 Pro Bowl and All-Pro returner, led NFL in all-purpose yards in 2008, 19 career total touchdowns, including 4 return touchdowns.
Drew Coleman - 72 total tackles in 4 seasons with the Jets.

Overall Draft Analysis: The Jets' impressive 10-pick draft class benefited greatly from the team's stockpile approach in 2006. The talent-laden haul has allowed the team to experience winning seasons during three out of the past four seasons. The towering bookend, Ferguson, has emerged as one of the league's most elite "blindside" blockers, while Mangold remains arguably the NFL's top center. The talented tandem paved the way for 2009's most potent rushing attack, in addition to proficiently protecting rookie passer, Mark Sanchez. Rex Ryan's rugged, run-oriented philosophy aptly accentuates the strengths and skills of Mangold and Ferguson.

Ultimately, an asterisk could be applied to the Jets' disappointing selection of Clemens. Bruce Gradkowski and Tarvaris Jackson modestly serve as the most productive '06 quarterbacks picked after Clemens. However, Washington and Brad Smith have proven explosive offense weapons throughout their careers in New York. Washington epitomizes the rare "all-purpose" running back, contributing as electric receiver, rusher, and return-man. The versatile playmaker has quietly recorded 19 total touchdowns as a Jet, including four kickoffs for scores. Additionally intriguing, remains the fact Washington's pick came from the Chiefs, as a result of Herm Edwards' hiring. The converted college quarterback, Smith, has also served as a versatile option for the Jets' offense, most recently as the team's "Wildcat" weapon.

Eric Smith and Coleman have performed serviceably in the secondary, as well as special teams' players. Ultimately, the impressive quantity and quality of the Jets' 2006 draft class warrants inclusion amongst the 50 greatest of the decade. Valuable selections, such as Ferguson, Mangold, and Washington, should provide stability for the up-and-coming Jets for years to come.

The Jets' "Perfect Draft" in Retrospect: Keeping actual trades, only players of same position are eligible)
No. 4 - OT D'Brickashaw Ferguson, No. 29 - C Nick Mangold, No. 49 - QB Bruce Gradkowski, No. 76 - LB Clint Ingram, No. 97 - S Dawan Landry, No. 103 - WR Brandon Marshall, No. 117 - RB Leon Washington, No. 150 - TE Jeff King, No. 189 - CB Cortland Finnegan, No. 220 - DT Rodrique Wright.

References: All statistics and draft information provided by NFL.com and Pro-Football-Reference.com.