REPORTING LIVE FROM FLORHAM PARK—The New York Jets made seven draft picks to kick off the Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey era.
New York moved quickly throughout the three-day draft to nab multiple starting-quality players on both sides of the ball and some developmental pieces that fit the franchise’s long-term future.
Glenn and the Jets are thrilled with the new collection of talent they have acquired and have made that clear over the last few days.
Best quotes of Jets’ 2025 draft class
The Jets have spoken out regarding their selections over the last few days, highlighting their commitment and excitement to their draft process.
Today, we’ll look at some of the more impressive quotes surrounding each player.
Armand Membou (Round 1, Pick 7)
Membou was the top right tackle prospect available when the Jets made their pick to kick off the 2025 draft. New York had multiple star tight ends at their disposal to select, but Glenn used his prior experience in Detroit and New Orleans to show why the team made the decision on Membou.
Glenn on the Jets’ decision to draft Membou:
“I’m a firm believer that you start it inside out, so if we can build our line, just as much as our defensive line, also, that only helps you as a team,” Glenn said. “It helps your quarterback, it helps your running backs, it helps your passing game, and it just creates an identity within your team that you’re trying to make sure that every team, when they watch film, they see that.”
Mason Taylor (Round 2, Pick 42)
Taylor is the son of former Hall-of-Fame edge rusher of the Miami Dolphins and Jets, Jason Taylor. While not every son of a legend has been successful in their journeys to the NFL, there’s reason to think that New York will be in good hands with Mason.
Glenn on what Mason Taylor can bring to the Jets:
“He’s a smart man. The bloodlines of him understanding football, that stands out. His ability to block and be a receiving threat is something that stood out on tape. Listen, he’s going to come in, he’s going to compete, and I think he’s going to do a good job for us.”
Azareye’h Thomas (Round 3, Pick 73)
The Jets did not need a cornerback. They signed Brandon Stephens to a three-year contract this offseason, but it’s hard to pass up on the top press corner in the draft who was considered a top 50 prospect in the third round.
That’s what Thomas was to the Jets, and why Glenn was pleased to be able to draft him.
Glenn on what makes Thomas special as a press corner:
“When you just watch him and really study him, man, his hand placement, he has
this move of not just a one-hand punch, but he has a two-hand punch that a lot of guys can’t do, but he’s done that and he does a good job of it, and to be able to put your hands up there and to be able to release it and be able to run, like those are some of the technical things that you watch that it’s something that he just has and a lot of guys can’t teach that or can’t be able to do that and that’s just him, so when you watch him and you see those things, those things get you really excited on how he can take this to this level.”
Arian Smith (Round 4, Pick 110)
New York’s argument for drafting Smith in the fourth round, with other needs at the position and defensive tackle, surprised some analysts around the league.
The Georgia product led the team in receiving last year, but also had a major problem with drops. The Jets feel they can fix this problem on their own.
Glenn on getting the best out of Smith:
“The one thing that this player is very self-aware, and I think it starts there. He knows he has to get better at that, and I’ve lived through this with Jameson Williams. The first thing when he came into the League, everybody talked about his drops; he worked on it tirelessly, every day in practice.
“I see this player doing the same thing, so if you are self-aware and understand that you have an issue and you know you can get better, that’s the start, so I know this player is going to get better at that.”
Malachi Moore (Round 4, Pick 130)
Moore was a leader for Alabama last season and a player that the Jets “coveted” in the fourth round. While New York won’t simply give him a starting role right away, Moore is the kind of sleeper who may find himself playing earlier than expected.
Glenn on using Brian Branch as a reference for Moore:
“He (Branch) gave me some really good insight on that player. Actually, he was the starter right before Branch actually ended up getting the job; he had an injury. Him being a captain that tells what he is, so he’s going to come in and have a chance to compete for a safety spot.”
Francisco Mauigoa (Round 5, Pick 162)
Mauigoa is expected to replace special teams star Chazz Surratt. The Miami linebacker is pretty fast but has plenty to develop during his time with the Jets.
Glenn on fair expectations for Mauigoa:
“Kiko’s a smart, heady, aggressive, physical linebacker that will get a chance to go in and compete for a linebacker spot. Plus, he has special teams value.”
Tyler Baron (Round 5, Pick 176)
You can never have too many edge rushers, and Baron’s experience as a run-stopper is something the Jets can utilize pretty well on a defensive line with Jermaine Johnson and Will McDonald.
Glenn on the importance of depth on the defensive line:
“He’s done a really good job as far as pass rush, but again he’s going to be able to play special teams for us, so listen you need like good quality depth on your team, so if anything happens, listen, I went through the injury bug last year, if anything happened to any of our starters, man, these guys can come in be able to play for us.”
