"Make sure Johnny 'Lam' Jones is high on the list."
The above quote was from my father when I told him about this series of posts. I consulted him just because he has been a Jets fan longer and has a better grasp of history.
Johnny "Lam" Jones is a perfect example of why timed speed alone is not enough to make it as a wide receiver. The second overall pick in the 1980 NFL Draft, Jones was an Olympic gold medal winning sprinter. Having speed is one thing. Being able to catch the ball is another. Jones struggled to get open and had bad hands. That is why he only had 138 receptions and 13 touchdowns in 5 years.
Physical attributes like speed (or frame) are great, but they cannot be the only basis for liking a player. The Jets gave up a pair of first rounders to move up to take him. They gave him a then record contract. He was supposed to represent half of a high flying receiver crew with Wesley Walker.
Jones' post career life has also been sad, notable for drug issues and a current bout with cancer.
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