Since 2007, every opening draft pick of the New York Jets has been dedicated to defense, with two USC quarterback exceptions in 2009 and 2017. Hit or miss in nature, a majority of these selections either never fulfilled their potential or moved on from New York for greener, non-Jets, pastures.
This middling phenomenon has been perhaps best personified by the tenure of linebacker Darron Lee.
Lee, 23, was the 20th name called in 2016’s selection proceedings. Flashes of his brilliance displayed at Ohio State has been on display in his first two seasons, notably in last season’s opening day festivities in Buffalo, where he had seven tackles and a sack.