After 13 years in background roles with the Denver Broncos -- from scouting intern to assistant general manager -- Darren Mougey is out front, preparing to direct his first draft from the big chair as the New York Jets' general manager.

When Jets general manager Darren Mougey turns in his first pick of the NFL Draft on Thursday night – he starts the day holding onto the No. 7 overall selection – it’ll mark the fifth time in the last 20 years a new regime has gotten its chance to shape the Jets through the draft.

His father, Doug, raised him to be a winner, to be strong, to be a model for others. Doug died three weeks after Darren’s 14th birthday.