Building a yearly Super Bowl contender in the NFL begins with identifying value across all seven rounds of the draft; it’s how general managers establish their reputation and how teams secure championships.
Darren Mougey and Aaron Glenn bolstered the New York Jets’ roster by addressing key needs and adding quality players throughout the 2025 NFL draft.
While Armand Membou and Mason Taylor headline the class, history shows that championship teams are built not just on top picks but on finding value in the later rounds.
Enter Tyler Baron.
The Jets selected Baron in the fifth round (No. 176 overall) after general manager Darren Mougey orchestrated a draft-day trade to move up for the edge rusher. New York sent the Baltimore Ravens a swap of 2026 fifth and sixth-round picks to jump from No. 186 to No. 176.
Following four seasons at Tennessee, Baron transferred to Miami for his final year of NCAA eligibility.
Throughout his four seasons in Knoxville, the former four-star recruit appeared in 48 games for the Volunteers, posting 101 combo tackles (28 for loss), 13.5 sacks, 4 pass deflections, and a forced fumble.
Despite some inconsistency during his only season with the Hurricanes, he paced the team in sacks, pressures, and tackles for loss.
Why is Tyler Baron the best value pick for the Jets?
Positional need
Entering the draft, defensive end was sneakily a position of need for Gang Green.
Will McDonald, a former first-round pick, took a major step forward in 2024 with 10.5 sacks and will look to build on that success, particularly by making strides as a run defender.
On the other side, Jermaine Johnson faces an uncertain road after a torn Achilles limited him to just two games last season, raising questions about his immediate and long-term future.
Behind them, New York’s edge depth is thin. Micheal Clemons has yet to prove he is even a rotational player, while 2024 undrafted signees Eric Watts and Braiden McGregor remain in the mix, fighting for roster spots.
Run-defense value
The Jets’ edge group struggled to defend the run season, and Baron has the potential to help change that.
In 2024, the Miami product earned a 76.7 run-defense grade from Pro Football Focus and recorded 11 tackles for loss. His run-defense grade outpaced every defensive end on the Jets’ roster last season.
Aaron Glenn type-player
Baron remains a work in progress, but his speed-to-power rush and relentless motor allow him to make an impact when he plays with the proper technique.
Head coach Aaron Glenn and defensive coordinator Steve Wilks have emphasized adding tough, versatile players to the roster, and Baron brings that kind of edge to New York’s defense.
High floor as a rookie
There is no question that Baron still has areas to clean up, particularly with his consistency setting the edge against the run.
However, his versatility gives him a higher floor than several of the Jets’ other draft picks. At the very least, Baron projects as a special-teams contributor and depth piece in the team’s edge rotation as a rookie.
Summary
Baron has demonstrated that he possesses the tools to succeed at the next level, but reaching his full potential will depend on his ability to play more consistently.
Coaching and development will be crucial to his growth in New York.
The Jets used a fifth-round pick on a player who could either push for a starting role or quickly climb the depth chart with a strong summer, filling a need at a position lacking proven depth.
At worst, New York took a low-risk swing on an athletic, tough prospect. At best, they may have found a long-term contributor on the edge and a valuable piece for their special-teams unit.
