New York Jets Rookie Forecast 2025

Jets Rookie Forecast 2025

Solid Starter

Armand Membou, OT, Missouri – Round 1

When Aaron Glenn went with Dan Campbell to Detroit, one of the few positions they inherited with a quality starter was the left tackle spot with Taylor Decker. With their first draft pick, they added a bookend to go with Decker in Penei Sewell, and that set the foundation for perhaps the best offensive line in the NFL. Glenn has started a similar formula as head coach of the Jets with the selection of Membou. New York has to work with to make sure that Membou and 2024 first-rounder Olu Fashanu pan out, but that pair could be the bedrock for the Jets team with a talented young tackle tandem.

For the NFL, Membou is a supremely athletic offensive lineman who has an excellent combination of quickness, athleticism, and bulk. There is no doubt that Membou is extremely athletic for an offensive lineman. He is a smooth glider with excellent agility and nimble movement skills. Membou is fast firing out of his stance with a burst to the second level. With quick feet and agility, Fautanu is able to stay square on speed rushers and neutralize them running around the edge. With his excellent athleticism, Membou is a natural knee bender who does not have to reach after speed rushers because his feet and bending get him in position.

In the ground game, Membou is a great fit in a zone-blocking scheme. With his speed and athleticism, Membou moves well as part of the moving mall. He is quick at getting to linebackers off the snap, along with peeling off defensive linemen and then hitting a linebacker to help open a hole.

While Membou has a great skill set, I think the lack of finish and lack of physicality will keep him from being an elite player or a boom pick. Membou also lacks height and has short arms to play offensive tackle, so those limitations could rear up at different times. Still, I think Membou will be a solid right tackle for the Jets and could form a good tandem with Fashanu.

2024: Olu Fashanu, OT
2023: Joe Tippman, C
2022: Brecee Hall, RB
2021: Elijah Moore, WR
2020: Jabari Zuniga, DE
2019: Jachai Polite, DE
2018: Nathan Shepard, DT
2017: Jamal Adams, S
2016: Darron Lee, LB
2015: Devin Smith, WR
2014: Calvin Pryor, S
2013: Dee Milliner, CB

Most Likely To Bust

Arian Smith, WR, Georgia – Round 4

There is no doubt that Smith is a speed demon capable of challenging defenses deep down the field. However, Smith had terrible hands at Georgia and dropped a plethora of passes. Perhaps that issue could be improved upon, but it looks more likely to be just a part of Smith as a player. Receivers who drop passes have a hard time seeing the field, as coaches and quarterbacks don’t trust them. Of the Jets’ first four draft picks, I think Smith is the most likely pick to be a bust.

2024: None
2023: None
2022: Jermaine Johnson, DE
2021: Zach Wilson, QB
2020: Ashtyn Davis, S
2019: Chuma Edoga, OT
2018: Chris Herndon, TE
2017: Chad Hanson, WR
2016: Jordan Jenkins, LB
2015: Bryce Petty, QB
2014: Dexter McDougle, CB
2013: Geno Smith, QB

Potential Boom Pick

Mason Taylor, TE, LSU – Round 2

There were a lot of projections of the Jets taking Penn State tight end Tyler Warren in the first round and it made a lot of sense as New York had a need at the position. However, the Jaguars’ trade to get Travis Hunter at two overall set off a domino effect that led to Armand Membou making it to the Jets’ pick. After fortifying the offensive line, the Jets got a steal in the second round and were able to upgrade the tight end position as well.

In the passing game, Taylor (6-5, 251) has the speed and size to be a problem at tight end. With nice technique, Taylor is a superb route runner who does not take extra steps. He presents a big target and can high-point the ball. Taylor projects to be a good contributor in the red zone with his ability to block and make catches over defenders. Going down the seam, Taylor presents a big target and has excellent hands to secure the ball. Taylor is not an elite runner after the catch, but he can pick up some yards on the ground, and he will punish tacklers downfield. While Taylor does not have elite speed and athleticism, he definitely has the ability to contribute as a receiver in the NFL.

As a blocker, Taylor is a solid contributor at the point of attack. Not only does he have some size and strength, but he also shows more attitude and effort than other tight ends in this draft class. Taylor has the size and technique to contribute to pass protection and is a willing run blocker. While being above average, Taylor is not a dominant blocker.

Taylor could be a plug-and-play starter for the Jets once he knows the playbook. With Garrett Wilson commanding attention on one side of the field, Taylor could be a dangerous option down the seam and across the field. He brings some size and red zone weapon potential to the Jets. I could see Taylor becoming a pro bowl caliber player and a potential pro bowler for New York.

2024: None
2023: Will McDonald, DE
2022: Sauce Gardner, CB
2021: Alijah Vera-Tucker, G
2020: Mekhi Becton, OT
2019: Quinnen Williams, DT
2018: Sam Darnold, QB
2017: Marcus Maye, S
2016: Christian Hackenberg, QB
2015: Leonard Williams, DE
2014: Jace Amaro, TE
2013: Sheldon Richardson, DT

Future Depth Player

Malachi Moore, S, Alabama – Round 4

The Jets added Andre Cisco in free agency to start next to Tony Adams, but Moore could figure into that competition along with Jaylin Simpson. Moore flashed early in his career at Alabama, but never became a playmaker in the middle of the field for Alabama. Moore has some size and speed limitations that could make him more of a backup safety at the pro level. However, he could be a solid backup who is also a good contributor on special teams. Moore was a solid depth pick for New York on day three of the draft.

2024: Braelon Allen, RB
2023: Carter Warren, OT
2022: Max Mitchell, OT
2021: Michael Carter, RB
2020: La’Mical Perine, RB
2019: Blessaun Austin, CB
2018: Parry Nickerson, CB
2017: Jordan Leggett, TE
2016: Charone Peak, WR
2015: Jarvis Harrison, G
2014: Tajh Boyd, QB
2013: Brian Winters, G