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2025 NFL Draft Grades: New York Jets

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2025 NFL Draft New York Jets, Armand Membou, offensive tackle

Between April 24 and the 26th, the most eventful three days of the NFL offseason take place. During this time, 257 athletes got to achieve their dream of becoming NFL Draft picks. A cherished time for all football fans, the Draft is a great opportunity to watch their favorite teams add young talent and witness the beginning of great careers. Few teams have been under a microscope like the New York Jets. After a disastrous 2024 season, new head coach Aaron Glenn is ready to usher in a new era. Possessing the seventh overall pick, the Jets have a chance to address some major needs on the roster. Let’s further examine the Jets 2025 NFL Draft class.

2025 NFL Draft Grades: New York Jets

First Round/Seventh overall pick: Armand Membou, OT, Missouri

With the importance of building in the trenches being a focal point for success, the Jets don’t overthink it. While Penn State tight end Tyler Warren would have been exciting, the Jets opted to focus on right tackle. After a successful career at Missouri, Armand Membou will be the long-term right tackle. Membou earned All-SEC second team honors this year and has over 35 games of experience starting in the SEC. Due to his starting experience, Membou’s skillset is highlighted by his strong football IQ and technical foundation. While hand placement could be an issue early, Membou’s abilities in pass protection show great potential. Now, joining 2024 first-round pick Olu Fashanu, New York has an exciting duo rounding out their underrated offensive line.

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Grade: A+

Second Round/42nd overall pick: Mason Taylor, tight end, LSU

With tight end remaining a major need, the Jets turn to an old rival turned friend. 15 years ago, longtime Miami Dolphin Jordan Taylor signed with the Jets and went to the 2011 AFC Championship game. Now, his son, Mason Taylor, is the new starting tight end for the Jets. At only 20 years old, Taylor has shown flashes of greatness through three seasons. In his three years in Baton Rouge, Taylor amassed over 1,300 yards on 129 receptions. Standing at 6’5 and 255lbs, Taylor possesses the perfect size for the position with exceptional route recognition. As a receiver comparison, you can see shades of Zach Ertz or Dallas Goedert if he can add some size to his frame. Along with quarterback Justin Fields connection with Cole Kmet back in Chicago, and Tanner Engstrand’s track record of developing tight ends with the Detroit Lions. Pairing Taylor with the same tight ends coach who developed TJ Hockenson and Sam LaPorta? His potential is limitless.

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Grade: A

Third Round/73rd overall pick: Azareye’h Thomas, cornerback, FSU

With this pick, the Jets are investing in the secondary background from both Aaron Glenn and defensive coordinator Steve Wilks. After signing Brandon Stephens to replace the departing DJ Reed, New York selects big-bodied cornerback Azareye’h Thomas out of Florida State. Standing at 6’2″, Thomas is the same height as Sauce Gardner. Despite being a work in progress to be a starter right away, Thomas possesses the physical tools to have a long career. If he can sit behind Stephens for a season while developing his footwork and tackling, Aaron Glenn could have a steal here if Azareye’h develops.

Grade: A

Fourth Round/110th overall pick: Arian Smith, wide receiver, Georgia

After a run of wide receivers was taken in the second and third rounds, the Jets were left with limited options in Day 3. However, they take a swing on an explosive deep threat to pair next to Garrett Wilson. Due to his 4.36 40-yard time and 38-inch vertical, Georgia wide receiver Arian Smith is a gifted athlete. While the production is limited and had 10 drops, Smith got an opportunity to contribute after waiting behind players like George Pickens, Brock Bowers, and Ladd McConkey. In 2024, Smith had 817 yards on 48 catches and four touchdowns. This is a gamble for New York, but if Tanner Engstrand can expand his route tree, Smith can be a good development option in the WR room.

Grade: C+

Fourth Round/130th overall pick: Malachi Moore, safety, Alabama

Now, after taking a swing with Arian Smith, the team trades back up into the fourth round to get a talented defensive back. Malachi Moore started for four years at Alabama and earned Nick Saban’s trust due to his coverage skills. Through baiting quarterbacks, he’s excelled in closing space in coverage. Despite a lack of physicality, Moore’s instincts and route recognition will allow him to contribute early in sub-packages. Thanks to the depth of secondary knowledge on the defensive staff and Aaron Glenn’s past success with Brian Branch, this is a great value pick.

Grade: A-

Fifth Round/162nd overall pick: Francisco Mauigoa, linebacker, Miami

With positional versatility, the team adds a jack-of-all-trades type of linebacker in Francisco Mauigoa. As a high school quarterback, Mauigoa possesses great awareness in the middle of the field. While he’s a work in progress in coverage, he excels against the run and as a blitzer. With Jamien Sherwood and Quincy Williams ahead of him, he can take his time developing into a potential starting will linebacker, while contributing on special teams early.

Grade: B

Fifth Round/176th overall pick: Tyler Baron, edge rusher, Miami

Rounding out the draft class is University of Miami edge rusher Tyler Baron. After transferring from Tennessee, Baron was efficient, tying the team lead for both sacks and tackles for losses this year. Due to his pass-rushing abilities, Baron has the chance to see snaps early in his career. Anticipate him getting snaps on special teams, too. After rumors of looking to move on from Micheal Clemons, Tyler Baron can be the perfect replacement on the edge.

Grade: A-

Final thoughts

In their first draft, Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey did an excellent job addressing needs early. Armand Membou becomes a day one starter at right tackle, rounding out the offensive line. 15 years after his father played at Metlife, Mason Taylor looks to excel as one of Justin Fields primary targets on offense, not named Garrett Wilson. While the Arian Smith selection is their biggest swing, the team did an excellent job addressing their defense. Between Azareye’h Thomas and Malachi Moore, New York adds two potential long-term starters in the secondary. Overall, fans should be encouraged by the upside from this first class of the rebuild.

Overall grade: B+

Main Photo: [Jacob Musselman] – USA Today Sports

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