While Jets fans are suffering through yet another lost season as Gang Green has managed just one win to seven losses, one of the biggest positives of the season has been the all-around performance of Darren Mougey’s first-ever draft class. While some may question the wisdom of doing what he did in certain spots, there’s no denying that the early returns have been extremely encouraging.
RT Armand Membou (Round 1, 7th overall): Taken with the seventh pick in round 1, Membou has been better than anyone could have anticipated. From the moment he stepped on the field, he has performed like a seasoned veteran with very few hiccups along the way. Membout should pair with last year’s first-round pick, Olu Fashanu, to pair an elite tandem for years to come.
TE Mason Taylor (Round 2, 42nd overall): For the first time since the days of Dustin Keller, it appears the Jets have a legitimate pass catching tight end who can be a factor on offense. Taylor is coming along nicely as a receiver and is making some strides as a blocker as well. His game winning touchdown against the Bengals this week has been the highlight of his rookie campaign thus far.
CB Azareye’h Thomas (Round 3, 73rd overall): Thomas had his first pro start this Sunday against the Bengals and surrendered a 44-yard touchdown to Tee Higgins, but other than that the rookie held is own while coming within inches of getting the team’s first interception of the year. In limited reps this season, Thomas has been targeted 11 times while allowing just five catches.
WR Arian Smith (Round 4, 110th overall): Thus far Smith would have to be viewed as Darren Mougey’s worst pick, but let’s remember, we’re only eight games in. A projected day 3 pick or possibly a priority undrafted free agent by the folks at NFL.com, the Jets used a fourth-round pick on Smith. With both Garrett Wilson and Josh Reynolds out this past Sunday, Smith had a chance to shine. Instead, he had just one reception and was outplayed by free agent addition Isaiah Williams.
S Malachi Moore (Round 4, 130th overall): Quite possibly the pick that earned Mougey the most praise in terms of value has started to deliver in a big way. Many believe Moore would eventually take the starting safety job at some point this season and that’s exactly what he did. While he hasn’t been perfect, Moore has been an upgrade over Tony Adams and will likely be a long-term starter who the Jets snagged in round four.
LB Francisco Mauigoa (Round 5, 162nd overall): When Quincy Williams landed on IR last month, it was Mauigoa who was tabbed as his replacement and the kid didn’t disappoint. The round five selection has shown impressive range while logging fifteen tackles in those games. He’s had a few blips along the way, but for a round five rookie seeing his first action, he’s done a solid job.
DL Tyler Baron (Round 5, 176 overall): Baron was the Jets final pick and hasn’t seen any action in recent weeks after having little impact in the 75 reps he played prior to that.
We’re only (roughly) half a season in to each of these players’ rookie year’s, but nobody could blame Jets fans for being the least bit optimistic about how their rookie draft picks have performed.
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