The 2025 NFL draft is finally here.
Expectations for the New York Jets’ first pick have changed significantly in the last few days. Offensive tackle Armand Membou is no longer viewed as a lock to last until pick No. 7. Tight end Tyler Warren is still in play, but linebacker Jalon Walker has gained significant steam in the last few days.
We will finally have an answer tonight. Until then, those of us at Jets X-Factor have taken our guesses. We submitted predictions two weeks ago and again today. First, our writers selected who they want the Jets to draft, and second, who they think the Jets will draft.
Without further ado.
Jets X-Factor’s Picks 2 Weeks Before
These were our picks two weeks ago (Analyst’s Preferred Pick / Predicted Pick):
- Stefan Stelling: Armand Membou / Tyler Warren
- Michael Nania: Armand Membou / Armand Membou
- Rivka Boord: Armand Membou / Armand Membou
- Nick Faria: Armand Membou / Armand Membou
- Connor Long: Tyler Warren / Armand Membou
The runaway favorite was tackle Armand Membou. Four analysts picked him as their preferred pick, and four picked him as the Jets’ likely pick. The only other player mentioned at this point was tight end Tyler Warren. While Warren has been heavily connected to the Jets, most expected Membou to be the pick.
Our next section shows just how much can change in two weeks.
Jets X-Factor’s Picks on Draft Day
The rumor mill is in full swing, and it’s anybody’s guess on who will be the Jets’ pick at seven.
The favorite from two weeks ago, Armand Membou, is now viewed as a player who could be selected before the Jets pick. Offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. has been mentioned as a backup plan or even the preferred option by some. However, linebacker Jalon Walker’s rise is hard to ignore as well.
With everything that’s happening, here are Jets X-Factor’s final picks:
- Stefan Stelling: Mason Graham / Tyler Warren
- Michael Nania: Armand Membou / Jalon Walker
- Rivka Boord: Armand Membou / Armand Membou
- Nick Faria: Armand Membou / Armand Membou
- Connor Long: Tetairoa McMillan / Kelvin Banks Jr.
Despite all the smoke in draft week, Membou is still the favorite among our analysts. I’d have picked him, too, but I think he’ll be gone before the Jets are on the clock.
However, three of five do not expect Membou to be the Jets’ pick at No. 7. ESPN’s Rich Cimini reiterated today that it’s a toss-up between him and Banks, citing Banks’ ability to play left tackle and Membou’s potential character concerns. With the rise of Walker and the long-reported love affair with Warren, it’s anyone’s guess what the Jets will do.
With less than 12 hours to go, who do you think the Jets will select in round one?
