New York Jets (Last Year: 5-12)
Goals Entering the 2025 NFL Draft: The Jets have quickly flipped from win-now mode to rebuilding for the future. It would be great if they could somehow find their quarterback of the future with their second selection. They also need to address the trenches, as their pass protection and pass rush are both very shaky. Finding another weapon for their next signal-caller is imperative as well.
2025 NFL Draft Accomplishments: The Jets had their potential quarterback of the future fall right into their laps in the second round, but they were one of many quarterback-needy teams to pass on Shedeur Sanders. I believe this to be a mistake. Fortunately for the Jets, they otherwise put together a strong draft class.
New York’s first five picks all scored A- or higher, and all seven of their selections earned at least a B+. While the Jets didn’t draft a potential franchise quarterback, they at least found support for whomever that may be in the future with outstanding blocking from Armand Membou, and talented skill players like Mason Taylor and Arian Smith. The Jets also acquired two promising prospects for their secondary. Their final two choices should help them put more pressure on Josh Allen.
The only way this draft would have been better for the Jets is if they managed to obtain a quarterback. This is why I’m not awarding them with an A+, but they did a great job overall.
NFL Draft Individual Grades:
7. Armand Membou, OT, Missouri – A+ Grade
I have to grade this as an A+. I mentioned that Trent Williams and Tristan Wirfs were the only offensive linemen in the same athletic category as Will Campbell. That also applies to Armand Membou, expect Membou has longer arms and a wider wingspan than Campbell. The Jets can start Membou at right tackle and eventually move him to the blind side if Olu Fashanu doesn’t pan out. Either way though, the Jets have a bookend of tackles for the next 3-4 years.
42. Mason Taylor, TE, LSU – A- Grade
The Jets had just one viable receiving threat in Garrett Wilson after losing Davante Adams. They needed another wide receiver or a tight end, and they opted for the latter, who is arguably the best player available among the two positions. This is a good pick, and as a bonus, the Jets get to obtain a former rival’s son, which is fun.
73. Azareye’h Thomas, CB, Florida State – A+ Grade
The Jets lost a starting cornerback in free agency, so they had to find a replacement. Azareye’h Thomas is a very tall cornerback who covered at a high level in school, and he has the stamp of approval from Aaron Glenn, which has to count for something. I had him in the first or second round the entire time, so I love the value.
110. Arian Smith, WR, Georgia – A Grade
The Jets were lacking downfield play-making talent outside of Garrett Wilson, so they had to draft a receiver at some point. If you’re talking about downfield play-making, Arian Smith fits that description with his great speed and upside. Smith could have easily gone a round earlier with no complaints.
130. Malachi Moore, S, Alabama – A- Grade
Malachi Moore improved steadily throughout his collegiate career after disappointing early. If the upward trend continues, Moore could end up starting for the Jets, who have had safety issues for quite some time.
162. Francisco Mauigoa, DE/OLB, Miami – B+ Grade
Francisco Mauigoa was a productive player at Miami who ended up testing well at the combine. The Jets needed to improve their pass rush, and Mauigoa makes sense in the middle of the fifth frame.
176. Tyler Baron, DE, Miami – B+ Grade
I had Tyler Baron going around this area, so he fits the range. It also makes sense that the Jets would draft him, given that they need as many pass rushers as possible to take down Josh Allen.
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