Under the guidance of new Head Coach Aaron Glenn and General Manager Darren Mougey, the New York Jets entered the 2025 NFL Draft with a clear objective: to bolster their roster by addressing key areas of weakness. The draft, held in Green Bay, Wisconsin, saw the Jets begin with eight of the 257 total picks.
The overarching strategy for the Jets was centered on strengthening the offensive line and injecting speed into both sides of the ball, aiming to better support quarterback Justin Fields.
This approach signaled a desire to build from the trenches outward, mirroring a philosophy focused on physicality and explosiveness. The draft class ultimately drew grades from B to A from various analysts.
Solidifying the Offensive Line with the Top Pick
The New York Jets held the No. 7 overall selection in the first round. With this pick, they chose Armand Membou, an offensive tackle from Missouri. This selection represented a "meat-and-potatoes" choice, as the team resisted the urge to select a more "glitzy" option like a tight end. In a thumbs up, First-Year Coach Aaron Glenn noted that Membou's mentality and demeanor are remarkably similar to that of Lions All-Pro Penei Sewell.
Membou is seen as the final piece in an offensive line puzzle that has been taking shape since 2021. His addition is intended to provide long-term stability and crucial protection for quarterback Justin Fields.
This foundational move may influence New York Jets odds, as a stronger offensive line often correlates with improved performance projections.
Player Profile and Fit
Membou, selected as the seventh overall pick is a natural right tackle, having played 94% of his snaps at that position during his college career. His projected fit is alongside left tackle Olu Fashanu.
Rookie Expectations and Key Stats
Expectations are high for Membou, who is projected to earn a starting role as a rookie. His path to securing the right tackle position appears relatively smooth, given the lack of strong in-house competition. According to ESPN Research, Membou allowed just one sack across 391 pass-blocking snaps during the 2024 season—an impressive mark of consistency. He also turned heads at the scouting combine with a standout 40-yard dash time of 4.91 seconds, showcasing his athleticism for the position.
Addressing Needs at Tight End and Cornerback
Following their initial selection, the Jets targeted another position of need: tight end. In the second round, with the No. 42 pick, they selected Mason Taylor from LSU. Taylor was chosen because the team believes he has the potential to develop into a complete tight end, capable in both the passing and blocking games.
Later, in the third round, the Jets made a seemingly surprising pick at a position of strength, taking Azareye'h Thomas, a cornerback from Florida State, at No. 73 overall. This selection is seen as having coach Aaron Glenn's firm support.
Mason Taylor: A Versatile Tight End
Mason Taylor, the Jets' second-round pick at No. 42, is a tight end from LSU. He was a three-year starter for the Tigers and finished his career with school records for a tight end in receptions (129) and receiving yards (1,308). While described as a steady player, he wasn't consistently dominant. Taylor also has strong family ties to the NFL, being the son of Hall of Famer Jason Taylor and the nephew of Hall of Famer Zach Thomas.
Azareye'h Thomas: Adding Length to the Secondary
Azareye'h Thomas, the third-round pick at No. 73, is a cornerback from Florida State. Despite cornerback being one of the Jets' strongest positions, the team felt the value was too good to pass up. Thomas possesses the length (6-2) that coach Glenn favors in cornerbacks. Over his final two seasons at Florida State, he recorded 15 passes defensed, though only one interception. His path to the game day roster is likely through contributing as a CB4 and on special teams.
Injecting Speed and Versatility in the Fourth Round
The fourth round saw the Jets make two selections, focusing on adding speed and defensive versatility. With the No. 110 pick, they drafted wide receiver Arian Smith from Georgia. Smith is recognized as a track athlete who brings exhilarating speed (4.36 seconds in the 40-yard dash) to the receiving corps. However, concerns exist regarding his extensive injury history and issues with dropped passes.
Later in the round, the Jets traded up 15 spots to select Malachi Moore, a safety from Alabama, at No. 130 overall. Moore is a versatile four-year starter and a two-time captain who played the nickel position before switching to safety. He finished his college career with seven interceptions and 31 passes defensed.
Building Depth in the Late Rounds
In the later rounds, the Jets focused on adding depth, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. In the fifth round, with the No. 162 pick acquired from the Steelers, they selected linebacker Francisco Mauigoa from Miami. Mauigo, (who goes by "Kiko”), is expected to compete to back up the Mike linebacker position.
He possesses good size and demonstrated productivity, leading the Hurricanes in tackles in his final two seasons. The Jets were particularly eager to add an edge player, trading up 10 spots in the sixth round for Tyler Baron, a defensive end also from Miami, at No. 176. Baron, a Tennessee transfer, is seen as a player with pass-rushing potential, although some pundits maintain that he needs to improve his discipline.
Overall Assessment of the 2025 Draft Class
The New York Jets' 2025 NFL draft class appears to reflect a strategic approach aimed at constructing a more competitive roster. By dedicating their initial high picks and later-round trades to solidifying the offensive line and adding speed to the offense and defense, they addressed several key positional needs.
While some selections, such as Arian Smith due to injury concerns and Tyler Baron needing discipline, carry inherent risks, the overall collection of players has been generally well-received by analysts.
The class has earned a range of grades, from B- to A from analysts, culminating in a reported final grade of B+. The focus on strengthening the trenches and adding dynamic playmakers aligns with coach Glenn's stated mission to build the team from the inside out.