The Jets moved from No. 3 to No. 4 in the 1993 draft,…
The Jets moved from No. 3 to No. 4 in the 1993 draft, receiving running back Johnny Johnson while Arizona moved up for Garrison Hearst. New York used No. 4 on linebacker Marvin Jones, who became a long-time Jets starter, and Johnson immediately supplied offensive production. Hearst later became a Pro Bowler, but much of his best work came after Arizona, giving the Jets the stronger realized return.
Arizona Cardinals Received
- pick 1993 first round pick (#3-Garrison Hearst)
New York Jets Received
- player Johnny Johnson (a)
- pick 1993 first round pick (#4-Marvin Jones (Maurice))
Trade Analysis
New York and Arizona exchanged adjacent top-five picks in the 1993 draft, but the veteran included in the deal made the trade much more than a one-slot move. Arizona received the third overall selection and used it on Georgia running back Garrison Hearst. The Jets moved to No. 4, selected Florida State linebacker Marvin Jones and also received running back Johnny Johnson. New York therefore added both an immediate offensive contributor and a premium defensive prospect.
Hearst eventually became an excellent NFL runner, rushing for nearly 8,000 career yards and earning two Pro Bowl selections. His best seasons came later with San Francisco. Arizona received only part of that career before Hearst moved on, including a 1,070-yard rushing season in 1995. Injuries and roster turnover kept the Cardinals from enjoying the full value that his later career demonstrated.
The Jets received more direct franchise value. Johnson joined the offense immediately and gave New York a proven back. More importantly, Jones became a long-term fixture at linebacker. He spent his entire 11-season career with the Jets, appeared in 142 games and started for much of that span. A one-pick slide that still produced a highly regarded prospect while adding a veteran starter was a strong use of draft position.
Arizona's C reflects that Hearst was genuinely talented and did produce a 1,000-yard season for the club. New York's A-minus reflects the combination of Johnson's immediate value and Jones's longevity. Hindsight cannot simply assign Hearst's later 49ers success to Arizona, and once team-specific production is separated from total career reputation, the Jets' two-player return is the stronger outcome.