The Aaron Rodgers era wasn’t a high point for the New York Jets, but it’s time to look forward for Gang Green. This franchise hasn’t posted a winning season since 2015, though we did see a better version of this team down the stretch last season.
How did this five-win team help itself in the 2025 NFL Draft? We grade each of their picks with an eye on how they fit into the long-term picture for this rebuild.
Looking for all 32 teams’ draft grades? Head to our 2025 NFL Draft Grades for All 32 Teams Tracker to see how we’ve graded other drafts.
Overall Jets Grade: A-
The Jets’ first draft class under the oversight of Darren Mougey and Aaron Glenn was a strong one, and it started off lights out. Armand Membou at seventh overall was one of the top value picks in the entire first round, and it completes what could be an elite offensive line in 2025. Mason Taylor was stellar value in Round 2, and can be a target funnel early on. And Azareye’h Thomas is quietly a quality starter who only fell because of his middling speed.
The Jets acquitted themselves masterfully across the first two days, but Day 3 started with a hiccup. The Arian Smith selection, on paper, was terrible. There were many more polished, more consistent, and higher-quality WR prospects on the board at that point, and Smith has very little proven utility outside of his speed.
Nevertheless, the Jets rebounded by adding Malachi Moore, a versatile safety who has legitimate starting potential in Glenn’s defense, and later, they scored another steal with Tyler Baron as EDGE depth in Round 5. It wasn’t perfect, but it was more than good enough for a front office trying to settle in, and a fan base trying to find hope again.
Grades for Every Jets Draft Pick
- Round 1, Pick 7
Armand Membou, OT | Missouri
Grade: A+
Staying put at seventh overall, the New York Jets snagged my fourth overall player in the class with Missouri’s Armand Membou, not only solidifying a position of need but also infusing their line with near blue-chip talent.
At 6’4” and 330 pounds, with near-34” arms, Membou is an absolute powerhouse of a blocker, with an elite blend of size, explosiveness, corrective athleticism, and driving power. But on top of that, he’s an incredibly measured and balanced pass protector, with smooth footwork, forceful hands, and keen eyes. And in the run game, his assignment-sound nature magnifies his overwhelming presence.
The Jets have invested in Justin Fields, and Membou will help them get the most out of that investment. Membou will feasibly file in at right tackle opposite Olu Fashanu in his first year, but he can also play guard in a pinch if needed.
- Round 2, Pick 42
Mason Taylor, TE | LSU
Grade: A
The Jets’ offense has received a notable facelift early in the 2025 NFL Draft. In Round 1, they solidified their line with Armand Membou. And now, Tanner Engstrand – a Detroit Lions offensive disciple – has added his versatile weapon at TE in LSU’s Mason Taylor.
Taylor – the son of Hall of Fame defensive end Jason Taylor – has similar athletic gifts. At a strong and lean 6’5”, 250 pounds, Taylor has unique flexibility, energy, and efficiency in his motion.
He has the quick feet and bend to function as a route runner at multiple levels, has soft, quiet hands at the catch, and is a viable RAC threat with want-to as a blocker. Taylor’s smooth style and alignment versatility should make him an early favorite of Justin Fields.
- Round 3, Pick 73
Azareye’h Thomas, CB | Florida State
Grade: B+
While cornerback is not necessarily the biggest need on the Jets’ roster, Azareye’h Thomas represents solid value at this point. The Florida State corner is one of the better press-man prospects in this class, using his 32” arms effectively to disrupt receivers off the line of scrimmage.
The Jets replaced D.J. Reed with Brandon Stephens in free agency, which profiles as a downgrade on paper. Thomas gives them insurance in the event Stephens struggles again in 2025, serving as a potential long-term partner for Sauce Gardner.
- Round 4, Pick 110
Arian Smith, WR | Georgia
Grade: C+
The Jets added arguably the fastest player in the draft in Arian Smith. The Georgia wideout ran a 10.10 100-meter dash for Georgia’s track team, and his sprinter speed absolutely translates to the football field. Smith was one of the very few humans on the planet who could be disappointed by a 4.36 40-yard dash time at the Combine.
Of course, he doesn’t have much going for him besides raw speed. Smith did catch 48 passes as a fifth-year player for Georgia this past season, but was otherwise limited to 20 catches in his first four seasons.
He also comes with significant questions about his hands (10 drops in 2024) and durability. As a result, it’s not obvious Smith will translate to a real wide receiver role, though his speed should make him a special teams demon.
- Round 4, Pick 130
Malachi Moore, S, Alabama
Grade: A-
The 2025 NFL Draft safety class is quietly strong, and the Jets made the right call to get involved on Day 3 with the selection of Malachi Moore. Moore played nickel primarily in 2023, and there, his man coverage limitations were exposed. But in 2024, he had a more diverse role, playing two-high and single-high safety, as well as off-man nickel. In that roaming role, he thrived.
Moore isn’t an elite athlete, but he’s an intelligent and high-character player with good coverage mobility, vision, and physicality both at the catch point and in support. Right away, he’s high-quality depth, and he could be a future starter at safety alongside Andre Cisco.
- Round 5, Pick 162
Francisco Mauigoa, LB | Miami (FL)
Grade: D - Round 5, Pick 176
Tyler Baron, EDGE | Miami (FL)
Grade: B-