A Close Look at the New York Jets’ 2025 Draft Picks

While splashy moves like signing Aaron Rodgers kept the New York Jets in the headlines for the last several years, they unfortunately didn’t translate to success on the field. Heading into the 2025 NFL Draft, the franchise looked to reset their strategy, opting instead to find tough, physical players that fit into the culture being built by new head coach Aaron Glenn.

The result was a draft in which the Jets made solid but mostly unsurprising picks. Examining the selections, let’s learn more about the seven draft picks who will be competing for roster spots this fall.

Armand Membou (Round 1, No. 7)

The Jets already had a strong offensive line coming into the draft. Selecting this right tackle may give them the best in the entire league.

Filling the line’s one weakness, Armand Membou comes the New York having given up only one sack last season at Missouri (though he disputes he gave up any).

The Jets could have used this pick to select a much-needed playmaker like tight end Tyler Warren or wide receiver Tet McMillan. However, in taking Membou, Glenn appears to be attempting to replicate the success of his previous team, the Detroit Lions, which succeeded in large part on the strength of its stout offensive line.

Mason Taylor (Round 2, No. 42)

The Jets didn’t wait long to draft a potential playmaker, using their second-round pick to select this tight end out of LSU. As a Tiger, Mason Taylor set school records for receptions and yards for a tight end during his three years as a starter, though he otherwise was a consistent, but not dominant player.

Taylor is the son of Jason Taylor, the Hall of Fame defensive end who played one year for the Jets but is best known as a member of the rival Dolphins. The Jets are believed to have selected the younger Taylor thanks to his being a more complete tight end than potential pick Elijah Arroyo and current Jets tight end Jeremy Ruckert, who is primarily a blocker. While he’s still in need of some development, the Jets hope Taylor will be a valuable contributor as soon as this season.

Azareye’h Thomas (Round 3, No. 73)

The Jets have no shortage of corners, but Glenn, who played the position himself, evidently couldn’t pass up this Florida State product. The rare corner to use a two-handed punch technique, Azareye’h Thomas is expected to fit well into the smothering man-to-man coverage that defensive coordinator Steve Wilkes tends to employ.

Still, with so many corners already on the roster, and Thomas’ unimpressive 40-yard dash time, there’s reason to question whether the Florida State product was the right choice. Glenn isn’t concerned, however, saying the 6’2” corner has enough game speed for the NFL. Expect to see him competing for the fourth cornerback slot and a spot on special teams.

Arian Smith (Round 4, No. 110)

The Jets finally went with a wide receiver with the first of their fourth-round picks. Looking to add some much-needed speed, they selected this Georgia product.

Arian Smith comes to New York with tremendous upside. A track athlete, he ran a dizzyingly fast 4.36 in the 40-yard dash. There are concerns, however—namely, his long injury history and his unreliable hands (he had 10 drops last season). Some thought Smith would go undrafted, but in reaching for him in the fourth round, the Jets are taking a chance that his physical attributes will help him shine as a pro.

Malachi Moore (Round 4, No. 130)

The Jets traded up to select this defensive back, who was a four-year starter and two-time captain at Alabama. Playing for the Crimson Tide, Moore earned the respect of Nick Saban, who started him his freshman year.

Moore mostly played the nickel position but, on the advice of Saban, switched to safety for his senior year. A tough, high-character player who has good instincts, he’s expected to compete for a job at safety. Even if his size and speed prevent him from being a regular on defense, he’ll likely be a presence on special teams.

Francisco Mauigoa (Round 5, No. 162)

Francisco Mauigoa comes to New York from the Miami Hurricanes, where he led the team in tackles each of the last two seasons. A middle linebacker who also plays special teams, he boasts good size and speed along with high-level athleticism.

“Kiko,” as he’s known, will likely be given a chance to back up Jamien Sherwood at the “Mike” position. He’s also expected to get plenty of chances on special teams.

Tyler Baron (Round 5, No. 176)

Looking to fill a hole at the edge position, the Jets traded up again to take this defensive end. Tyler Baron played five years in college, four with Tennessee and his final season coming at Miami.

Baron was a major recruit for Tennessee, where he recorded 13.5 sacks, six of which came in his fourth season. He followed that up with 5.5 sacks in his lone season with the Hurricanes. At 6’5” and 260 pounds, he has the size and athleticism to compete in the NFL, but scouts say he needs to work on his discipline.