The Jets add a big, tough cornerback to the defensive backfield
The New York Jets selected Florida State cornerback Azareye’h Thomas with the #73 pick in the 2025 NFL draft.
Cornerback is not a position at which the Jets have a huge hole. The Jets have two-time All Pro Sauce Gardner on one side and free agent acquisition Brandon Stephens on the other side. Stephens had a very difficult year with the Baltimore Ravens last year, but the Jets gave him a sizable contract that makes it unlikely they are looking to bench him any time soon.
Thomas is a big, tough, rangy press man outside cornerback, which begs the question, where will he play early on? Of course injuries could open up a spot for him. Absent injuries, either Stephens will be a very expensive bench player, Thomas will start out as a backup, or one of Stephens or Thomas will transition to safety, where the need is greater.
This is another pick where I think the Jets could have gotten greater value elsewhere, but if Thomas ends up as a plus starting cornerback, as many think he can eventually be, then that will be great value in the third round.
What about you? Do you approve of this pick?