FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Rex Ryan is declaring the New York Jets the winners of the 2013 NFL draft.

Despite inconsistent play from most of the Jets' rookies, Ryan gave the squad's 2013 draft class the highest grade possible Wednesday, citing the five starters the Jets yielded from their selections.

"If this is not an A-plus class, I don't know what you're looking for," Ryan said. "I think this class is about as strong a class as I've ever seen."

The Jets had seven picks in April's draft, and have turned the majority of them into starters. Cornerback Dee Milliner (ninth), defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson (13th), quarterback Geno Smith (39th), guard Brian Winters (72nd) and fullback Tommy Bohanon (215th) have taken over starting roles.

Ryan said Richardson is probably the defensive rookie of the year, praised Smith for starting each game, and had complimentary words for the jobs Winters and Bohanon have done. Milliner has struggled, but Ryan attributed that to him going through the ups and downs that almost all rookie corners do.