Regrading The New York Jets 2021 NFL Draft Class (5 Years Later)

The 2026 NFL Draft has passed, but its important to reflect on the draft. Especially 5 years ago when the 2021 NFL Draft happened and one team sticks out. Obviously its the New York Jets and the 2021 NFL Draft will be a tremendous mixed bag, lets look back on ever pick.

Now remember, if a pick gets the HACKENBERG label. That is an F grade. Obviously that is in honor of one of the biggest busts in New York Jets history who is named Christian Hackenberg.

Round 1, 2nd Overall – QB Zach Wilson Grade HACKENBERG

Probably the biggest bust in New York Jets history, and that’s saying something, knowing this franchise. He just never developed with the Jets, both on the field and in the locker room. Let’s be real, he was done the moment his teammates wore the Mike White shirts after that Bengals game. That killed his confidence and showed that his teammates don’t like him. Along with not taking accountability, the guy was cooked with the team.

Even after an offseason with Aaron Rodgers, he got worse. The killing blow was when the incompetent owner buried him in the press by saying, “We need a backup quarterback,” No, Woody, we need a new owner because you have no idea how to run a football team and haven’t bothered trying. Do us all a favor and sell the team, Woody.

Wilson was traded to Denver for a pick upgrade and was on backup duty. He went to the Dolphins as well, but it did not pan out. He was so bad in Miami that he was demoted to the 3rd string QB, and the organization started a 7th round rookie, Quinn Ewers, over him. That’s sad for a former 2nd overall draft pick.

While he currently is in New Orleans, he likely won’t last long with the team. Not only with Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough on the roster, but its very likely there going to draft a QB in this draft.

Round 1, 14th Overall – OG Alijah Vera Tucker Grade B-

Vera Tucker one is an obvious one. A very good offensive lineman, but the problem is he can’t stay healthy. He has had constant triceps issues in the NFL which absolutely sucks as he is a great pass protector and run blocker. Currently Vera-Tucker is signed with the New England Patriots and should work out, however health is a problem. Your best ability is your availability and Vera Tucker hasn’t been healthy.

Round 2, 34th Overall – WR Elijah Moore Grade C

If there was one word to describe Elijah Moore, it would be disappointing as there was a ton of high hopes with Moore. However, he just never was a true fit with the Jets team. He showed flashes during his time with the team, but he was very inconsistent. Along with issues with the coaching staff, Moore was traded to the Cleveland Browns for a 2nd round pick.

Fun fact that 2nd round pick was then traded to get Aaron Rodgers. That pick turned into TE Luke Musgrave. As for the 3rd that Cleveland also got in the deal, that pick turned into WR Cedric Tillman.

Moore was okay in Cleveland, but again he was very inconsistent. Ever since he left the Browns, he’s pretty much been ring chasing as a journeyman. He spent time with the Buffalo Bills and Denver Broncos last year. Moore is currently a Philadelphia Eagle, but his roster spot isn’t safe. This pick was a flop for the Jets, but the pick is a meh grade overall, so it gets a C.

Day 3 Of The Draft Was Solid For Jets

Two notable names that panned out for the Jets that were taken Day 3 of the 2021 NFL Draft. The first was Jamien Sherwood, and the second was Michael Carter. Two very good players during the time they had with the team.

Sherwood was a player they experimented with moving from safety to linebacker, and the experiment was a success, as well as a late bloomer. During the last two seasons, he was a tackling machine with back-to-back 150-tackle seasons. He even got a nice 3-year $45 Million contract extension, too.

Michael Carter Panned Out

Michael Carter was the other player the Jets picked that panned out. He was a very underrated piece to that stacked Jets defense. The one that had players like DJ Reed, Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, Tony Adams, etc. Carter got a nice 3 year extension as well with the organization and things were looking great.

The Jets screwed things up with the Rodgers saga and waited one year too long to fire Robert Saleh. Along with a rebuild on the way, Carter wanted out. He got his wish, as the Jets traded him to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for WR John Metchie and a 2027 6th-round draft pick. Carter was okay for a brief time with the Eagles, and he is still on the team.

Jason Pinnock Was Good, When He Left Jets

What’s sad about this class, the Jets took Jason Pinnock in round 5, and he actually developed better with the New York Giants. Even Brandon Echols who showed promise in his first year, declined and resurged with the Pittsburgh Steelers. As for Jonathan Marshall and Hamsah Nasirildeen, both never developed with this team.

New York Jets 2021 Draft Class Overall Grade – B-

This draft had a lot of hits. Players like Alijah Vera-Tucker, Michael Carter, Jamien Sherwood, Brandon Echols, and Jason Pinnock all are solid players. However, this draft really hurts with Zach Wilson and Elijah Moore Selections. One of the biggest mistakes Joe Douglas ever made was drafting Zach Wilson and it ultimately resulted in him and Saleh loosing there jobs due to this mistake. Overall I think a B- makes sense here

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