The New York Jets allocated the first of eventually two fifth-round picks in the 2025 NFL draft towards adding linebacker depth. At No. 163 overall, Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey selected Miami linebacker Francisco Mauigoa.
Fourteen picks later, New York traded its sixth-rounder this year and fifth-rounder in 2026 to draft Mauigoa’s collegiate teammate, EDGE Tyler Baron. (The Jets also received the Baltimore Ravens’ 2026 fifth-round pick.)
Francisco Mauigoa (MIA-LB)
Mauigoa, 22, committed to Washington State as a three-star recruit from Aquinas High School in San Bernardino, CA.
The linebacker spent his first two college seasons as a Cougar, appearing in 25 games. He posted 77 total tackles (seven for loss), 3.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles before transferring to Miami for his final two collegiate years.
His most productive college season came in 2024, when he led the Hurricanes in total tackles (96) while earning second-team All-ACC honors.
Mauigoa brings valuable special-teams experience and could contribute immediately for the Jets in that role. The fifth-round pick also has a real opportunity to impress during camp and carve out a spot in New York’s thin linebacker rotation.
Outside of Jamien Sherwood and Quincy Williams, the Jets lack proven depth at linebacker. Several players, including Jamin Davis, Chazz Surratt, Zaire Barnes, Marcelino McCrary-Ball, Jackson Sirmon, and Jimmy Ciarlo, are expected to compete for roster spots this summer.
With a thin depth chart ahead of him, Mauigoa has a clear path to meaningful snaps.
Tyler Baron (MIA-EDGE)
Baron, a redshirt senior, turned 23 this month. After spending his first four college seasons with the Tennessee Volunteers, he transferred to Miami.
In 13 games this past season, Baron tallied 5.5 sacks and 11 tackles for loss. He also finished with 38 total tackles and a forced fumble.
The 6-foot-5, 238-pound defensive end ran a 4.62 forty-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine this offseason. He’ll join an EDGE room with Jermaine Johnson and Will McDonald leading the way.
