Post by Lithfan on Jan 28, 2016 6:35:54 GMT -5
January 28, 1971
RB John Riggins, Kansas.
On Jan 28, 1971, with the 6th overall pick in the 1971 NFL Draft, the New York Jets selected RB John Riggins from Kansas. Riggins would play 5 seasons for the Jets, gaining 3,880 yards on 928 carries, including 25 TDs. He left NY as a free agent, signing with the Washington Redskins prior to the 1976 season. It was during his 9 years with the Redskins that he built most of his Hall of Fame resume, although he made his only pro bowl appearance in 1975 as a member of the Jets.
To this day, Riggins remains the last Hall of Famer to be drafted by the Jets. The HOF drought is likely to end at either 35 (Nick Mangold - 2006) or 36 years (Darrelle Revis - 2007).
As to the remainder of that 1971 draft, it was pretty bad. DBs Phil Wise (6th Round) and Rich Sowells (8th Round) are the only other members of the draft class to become regular starters for more than one season. I remember Chris Farasopolous (3rd Round) primarily as a kick returner during his 3 seasons as a Jet.
In addition to Riggins, 3 other Hall of Famers were included in that draft class: Jack Youngblood, Jack Ham and Dan Dierdorf.
January 28 was also the date of the 1969 combined AFL/NFL Draft. The only real solid players in this draft class ended up contributing to other teams. First round pick T Dave Foley made 79 of his 90 career starts with Buffalo and 14th round pick T Roger Finnie went on to have a successful career as part of the St. Louis Cardinals offensive line. The Jets did draft record setting punter Steve O’Neal in the 12th round, and back-up QB Al Woodall in the 2nd.
5 Hall of Famers went in the 69 draft, including 2 of the first 4 picks: OJ Simpson (#1 overall), Mean Joe Greene (#4 overall). The other 3 were Roger Wehrli, Ted Hendricks and Charlie Joiner.
RB John Riggins, Kansas.
On Jan 28, 1971, with the 6th overall pick in the 1971 NFL Draft, the New York Jets selected RB John Riggins from Kansas. Riggins would play 5 seasons for the Jets, gaining 3,880 yards on 928 carries, including 25 TDs. He left NY as a free agent, signing with the Washington Redskins prior to the 1976 season. It was during his 9 years with the Redskins that he built most of his Hall of Fame resume, although he made his only pro bowl appearance in 1975 as a member of the Jets.
To this day, Riggins remains the last Hall of Famer to be drafted by the Jets. The HOF drought is likely to end at either 35 (Nick Mangold - 2006) or 36 years (Darrelle Revis - 2007).
As to the remainder of that 1971 draft, it was pretty bad. DBs Phil Wise (6th Round) and Rich Sowells (8th Round) are the only other members of the draft class to become regular starters for more than one season. I remember Chris Farasopolous (3rd Round) primarily as a kick returner during his 3 seasons as a Jet.
In addition to Riggins, 3 other Hall of Famers were included in that draft class: Jack Youngblood, Jack Ham and Dan Dierdorf.
January 28 was also the date of the 1969 combined AFL/NFL Draft. The only real solid players in this draft class ended up contributing to other teams. First round pick T Dave Foley made 79 of his 90 career starts with Buffalo and 14th round pick T Roger Finnie went on to have a successful career as part of the St. Louis Cardinals offensive line. The Jets did draft record setting punter Steve O’Neal in the 12th round, and back-up QB Al Woodall in the 2nd.
5 Hall of Famers went in the 69 draft, including 2 of the first 4 picks: OJ Simpson (#1 overall), Mean Joe Greene (#4 overall). The other 3 were Roger Wehrli, Ted Hendricks and Charlie Joiner.
