Grading the New York Jets’ 2025 NFL draft
Depending on who you ask, the New York Jets either had an excellent NFL draft class or the first selection process of a new regime did little to instill confidence in the path forward.
It doesn’t seem like there is anything in between.
As the Jets begin finalizing their undrafted free agent pool, we must dish out our “way too early” grades on the 2025 class.
It’s always important to remember that these draft grades are completely subjective. People who are low on this class may be just as wrong as those who are high on the collective group.
We won’t know about the group until at least the third year of action for each player.
That being said, let’s get through the list and see which picks the Jets nailed, and which ones they might be second-guessing.
Armand Membou (T, Missouri, Round 1, Pick 7)
Grade A
There isn’t much more we can say about this pick. Armand Membou was the top right tackle prospect in the draft and is a plug-and-play starter right away for New York.
His selection should solidify the offensive line for years to come. The value and pick selection all fit into an “A” grade.
Mason Taylor (TE, LSU, Round 2, Pick 42)
Grade: A-
I love the Mason Taylor pick. The Jets needed a starting-caliber tight end and got the draft’s third-best at the position.
The LSU product has all the tools to be a quality starter for years. While it’s far too early to think he’ll need time to develop early on, this is another Day 1 starter for the team.
Azareye’h Thomas (CB, Florida State, Round 3, Pick 73)
Grade: A
This wasn’t a defensive tackle or receiver. Some people will dock points for that.
However, many draft boards had Azareye’h Thomas as the top press corner in the selection process and a top-50 player. To get him at 73 is simply terrific value for the Jets.
Arian Smith (WR, Georgia, Round 4, Pick 110)
Grade: C
Arian Smith is easily the Jets’ most questionable pick. He enters the NFL with questionable hands and wasn’t the best-perceived player on most draft boards at the time of the selection.
He does have some solid college production, but he also led Power Four conferences in drops. While he may grow and improve under Aaron Glenn’s offensive staff, Smith will be a big question mark moving forward.
Malachi Moore (DB, Alabama, Round 4, Pick 130)
Grade: A
Here’s the sleeper pick of the draft for the Jets. New York needed help at safety and got a quality player in the fourth round with Malachi Moore.
Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey were ecstatic that Moore fell to them, and for good reason. He’s a great value pick for the Jets at 130.
Francisco Mauigoa (LB, Miami, Round 5, Pick 162)
Grade: C+
Francisco Mauigoa is one of two Miami Hurricanes the Jets scooped up in Round 5. He can be a quality special-teamer as a fifth-round pick, but it’s hard to see him do anything more.
Mauigoa is the perceived replacement for Chazz Surratt, but whether or not he can develop into something more may define the grade.
Tyler Baron (DE, Miami, Round 5, Pick 176)
Grade: B
Tyler Baron defends the run well and can be seen as a developmental edge rusher. This pick reminds me of the flyer the Jets took on John Franklin-Myers.
The New York Jets would be thrilled if he develops into a JFM-type player at EDGE.
