The grades continue to come in.
Grades for the 2025 NFL Draft continue to come in. As we all know, Draft grades really aren’t accurate until we are at least two years out. As we also know, Draft grades are stupid…unless they praise the Jets.
Here are some additional Draft grades, whether praising the Jets or not.
New York Jets: B
Top needs entering the draft: Offensive tackle, tight end and wide receiver
The Aaron Rodgers era is over in New York, and the Jets are on to Justin Fields, who signed a two-year, $40 million deal with $30 million guaranteed. But to have any hope of avoiding a 15th straight season without the playoffs, they had to get more help on offense around Fields at the draft. They were 20th in yards per play last season (5.2), and the arrow wasn’t necessarily pointing up coming out of free agency after losing Davante Adams, Morgan Moses and Tyler Conklin.
New GM Darren Mougey and new coach Aaron Glenn didn’t waste any time, though, tackling one of the roster’s biggest issues with Armand Membou. He will replace Moses at right tackle, joining Olu Fashanu to form a really good tackle duo. You might see “right tackle” and think run blocker, and yes, he’s good in that department. But Membou also has the quickness and pop to improve the pass protection in a hurry.
Looking at the Jets’ options in Round 1, I was between Membou and tight end Tyler Warren. New York went Membou, but it got Mason Taylor on Friday. Consider that Jets tight ends averaged 8.1 yards per reception last season, last in the league. Fields excels at throwing to his tight ends, and Taylor is a reliable pass catcher. He has 6-foot-5 size to come down with end zone throws and the route-running traits to pick up key first downs.
Cornerback Azareye’h Thomas is strong in press coverage and has the speed to stick on receivers. The Jets will use him opposite Sauce Gardner. Getting him at No. 73 represents value, too. I had Thomas ranked 47th, and he probably would have been a first-rounder if he ran better at his pro day.
Those three picks were the start of an “A” draft class. But the Day 3 picks didn’t muster much. Receiver Arian Smith has speed, but his hands aren’t consistent. I had him ranked as WR33. Jalen Royals, Elic Ayomanor and Jaylin Lane were still available when Smith went No. 110. Edge rusher Tyler Baron is a decent fifth-rounder, but the Jets didn’t maximize those four picks in the fourth and fifth rounds.
4. New York Jets (A-)
Notable that they hired a defensive-minded coach – and one of the best corners in franchise history – in Aaron Glenn only to opt for an offensive-centric draft, and one that seemed modeled on the Lions blueprint Glenn saw work so well as their defensive coordinator. First-round RT Armand Membou and second-round TE Mason Taylor, son of former Jets OLB Jason Taylor, should either provide immediate help to new QB Justin Fields … or whomever replaces him in a year or two. Third-round CB Azareye’h Thomas will be tested opposite Sauce Gardner but represents good value. Fourth-round WR Arian Smith is pure speed, which could open the field for Taylor and WR Garrett Wilson. Glenn and rookie GM Darren Mougey nicely drove the fairway on their first Gang Green tee shot.
Grade: B-
The Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey era started off on a hot streak through the first two days, so let’s start there. Armand Membou slides into a hole they had at right tackle and all of a sudden this offensive line is littered with starting talent. Mason Taylor is a jack of all trades, master of none but his ability to play on the line of scrimmage is important for Tanner Engstrand’s run game. At just 20 years old, there’s still some ceiling for him to tap into.
Azareye’h Thomas is where they got the most value, which is not shocking when it comes to Glenn scouting cornerbacks. He’s physical, tough, and built to play in this heavy man coverage scheme.
Unfortunately, Day 3 felt like Jets mistakes of the past (which is not surprising considering the college scouting staff has had no turnover in recent years). This group was filled with reaches when players at key needs (defensive tackle and wide receiver) were on the board. Malachi Moore is the standout of this stretch, as the two-time team captain can give the Jets range on the backend of their defense down the road.
Rank: 13th best of 32 teams
Favorite pick: Armand Membou, OT, Missouri
The Jets did an outstanding job in the first three rounds addressing needs with starter-level talent — I loved the Mason Taylor and Azareye’h Thomas picks. But I have to go with Membou here. The 21-year-old right tackle immediately became one of my favorite players in the class once I studied him in the fall. He plays with outstanding body control and patience plus the finishing attitude that fits what Aaron Glenn is looking to build.
Day 3 pick who could surprise: Malachi Moore, S, Alabama
The Jets brought in Andre Cisco, but Tony Adams is in a contract year and Moore will have a chance to see defensive snaps as a rookie. The former Alabama safety won’t stand out based on size or speed alone, but he is solid against both the pass and run. He was a two-time captain and core special-teamer in college.
NEW YORK JETS: B-
OT Armand Membou (7) fills a big void but may have been able to trade down, add draft capital and still address the position. TE Mason Taylor has the genes. CB Azareye’h Thomas (73) will benefit playing under Aaron Glenn. WR Arian Smith (110) is a burner. CB Malachi Moore (130) and edge Tyler Baron (176) could be major contributors.