The New York Jets are set to come to Las Vegas’ NFL Draft podium nine times between April 28 and 30. In celebration and anticipation, Jets X-Factor looks back at the finest names chosen in their respective current slots.
Our next segment features the 111th overall pick, one of the choices obtained from the Carolina Panthers in the trade headlined by Sam Darnold’s move.
Happy 77th Grady Alderman!
Tackle, DET '60, #Vikings '61-74
•6 Pro Bowls, 2x All-Pro
•Inaugural '61 Vike#skol #NFL pic.twitter.com/Y9J62FnE3P— Kevin Gallagher (@KevG163) December 10, 2015
1960: OT Grady Alderman, Detroit
Though Grady Alderman was drafted by the Lions, he made a name for himself as one of the original members of the Vikings. Six Pro Bowl nominations and three Super Bowl visits awaited Alderman in Minnesota, where he became the longest-tenured member of the inaugural team.
Alderman, who also became a certified public accountant, played a role in the construction of the Vikings’ former homes, including their headquarters in Winter Park and the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome. The Detroit Mercy alum also briefly served as the general manager of the Denver Broncos (1981-82).
Lombardi-era Packers center Ken Bowman gutted it out in Super Bowl I.#TBT bio 📖: https://t.co/ogTfmYvEsJ pic.twitter.com/p7CTieRQm8
— Packers Hall of Fame (@PackersHOF) October 17, 2019
1964: C Ken Bowman, Green Bay
Ken Bowman was one of the building blocks of the Packers’ 1960s success, partaking in five championship runs that concluded with the first two Super Bowl games.
The last title trek provided Bowman’s most famous NFL moment. Bart Starr ran behind him in his iconic scoring punch in the final moments of the 1967 NFL Championship Game (better known as the “Ice Bowl”), setting the stage for their win over the Raiders in Super Bowl II.
Big matchup tonight: Jason Fabini vs. Jason Taylor.
6⃣9⃣ is ready for battle.#MIAvsNYJ | #TakeFlight pic.twitter.com/g316liu3KS
— New York Jets (@nyjets) March 30, 2020
1998: OT Jason Fabini, Jets
Chosen in the fourth round out of Cincinnati, Jason Fabini impressed head coach Bill Parcells enough in his first training camp to earn a starting nod on the offensive line for the future AFC finalists.
Fabini went on to become a blocking staple in New York, paving the way for Curtis Martin’s rushing endeavors and keeping the pocket clean for Vinny Testaverde and later Chad Pennington. He played his metropolitan endeavors into a small role in the 2001 Jon Favreau/Vince Vaughn collaboration “Made”.
1999: LB Roosevelt Colvin, Chicago
It takes a lot to leave a defensive impact as a Chicago Bear, but Roosevelt Colvin certainly proved himself more than capable of Windy City recognition.
Though he spent only four seasons with an orange wishbone C on his helmet (Two Lombardi Trophy hoists from New England came calling in 2003), Colvin made Chicago history as the first Bears defender to earn 10-plus sacks in consecutive seasons since Super Bowl hero Richard Dent (1990-91).
For his brief efforts, Colvin was named to the Bears’ all-decade team at linebacker alongside Lance Briggs and Brian Urlacher.
Spreading positivity with the #Bills day 97:
I mean… really… who’s stopping Terrence McGee in his prime?
His favorite activity was taking it to the house 🏠 pic.twitter.com/9WzmN2MLEM
— Kurt Haumesser (@KurtHaumesser88) July 6, 2020
2003: CB/KR Terrence McGee, Buffalo
Terrence McGee was the rare perfect balance between special teams spark and contributor on a more traditional side of the ball. The riser from Northwestern State continues to hold several Buffalo kick returning records, notably leading the franchise in yardage (5,540) and touchdowns (5).
But McGee also amassed 17 interceptions (one of only 20 Bills to earn at least 15) and also appears as the franchise’s leader in pass breakups (99) during a career that was, unfortunately, cut short to injury.
Other notable 111th picks:
- 1963: LB Dennis Gaubatz, Detroit
- 1973: QB Don Strock, Miami
- 1985: C Jeff Dallenback, Miami
- 1991: OT Clarence Jones, NY Giants
- 2004: DB Will Allen, Tampa Bay
Draft Countdown Series
Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags
