Two draft classes in New York Jets history stand out -- 1977 and 2000. You could make an argument for either one as the best, but a slight edge goes to 2000. That year, the Jets had four first-round picks, still a league record -- defensive end Shaun Ellis, linebacker John Abraham, quarterback Chad Pennington and tight end Anthony Becht. They acquired two first-rounders in the Keyshawn Johnson trade and another one from the New England Patriots as compensation for Bill Belichick. They also struck gold in the third round, picking Laveranues Coles.
Ellis and Abraham are the second- and third-leading sackers in franchise history, Pennington is fourth in passing yards and Coles is fifth in receptions. The 2000 draft, orchestrated by then-general manager Bill Parcells, was instrumental in changing the fortunes of the franchise. The Jets made the playoffs in 2001, 2002 and 2004 in large part because of the foundation provided by Parcells' last draft with the team. Their top-five picks each played at least 10 years in the league, a rarity in the sport.
A look at the class of 2000:
Shaun Ellis, defensive end, Tennessee, first round, 12th overall: He was a rock-solid defender for 11 years with the Jets, compiling 73.5 career sacks and making two Pro Bowls. He missed only six games during that span, becoming the backbone of the defense for a decade.
John Abraham, outside linebacker, South Carolina, first round, 13th overall: Abraham and Ellis, friends from home, were actually sitting next to each other when they got drafted back-to-back. Abraham was a dynamic edge rusher, something the Jets haven't had since Abraham was traded to the Atlanta Falcons in 2006. He recorded 53.5 sacks and made three Pro Bowls for the Jets.
Chad Pennington, quarterback, Marshall, first round, 18th overall: Pennington's career was undermined by multiple shoulder injuries. It's too bad because he had the smarts and accuracy to be a long-term answer at quarterback. He led the Jets to playoff appearances in '02, '04 and '06, winning NFL Comeback Player of the Year in '06. In his first year as a starter, 2002, he completed 69 percent of his passes. In 2008, he led the Miami Dolphins to the AFC East title, beating the Jets to clinch it.
Anthony Becht, tight end, West Virginia, first round, 27th overall: He was a rugged blocker and a reliable red zone threat for the Jets. He wound up playing 11 years in the league, finishing with 188 receptions.
Laveranues Coles, wide receiver, Florida State, third round, 78th overall: Coles was a controversial pick, as he was thrown off the team at Florida State because of an arrest. The Jets gambled, and it paid off. He developed an instant chemistry with Pennington, forming one of the better receiver-quarterback tandems in team history. Coles also played with the Washington Redskins and Cincinnati Bengals, ending with 674 career catches.
Next-best Jets draft class: The class of '77 produced three players who made at least one Pro Bowl and one All-Pro selection -- tackle Marvin Powell, wide receiver Wesley Walker and nose tackle Joe Klecko. Both Klecko and Walker are members of the Jets' Ring of Honor.