The 2025 NFL draft is in the books, and the New York Jets came away with seven players.
Going into the first draft of a new regime, fans and analysts had nothing to base their expectations on. What do general manager Darren Mougey and head coach Aaron Glenn look for in a player?
Here are the results of the draft:
- Round 1 | Pick 7: OT Armand Membou – Missouri
- Round 2 | Pick 42: TE Mason Taylor – LSU
- Round 3 | Pick 73: CB Azareye’h Thomas – Florida State
- Round 4 | Pick 110: WR Arian Smith – Georgia
- Round 4 | Pick 130: S Malachi Moore – Alabama
- Round 5 | Pick 162: LB Francisco Mauigoa – Miami
- Round 5 | Pick 176: EDGE Tyler Baron – Louisville
With one draft class in the rearview, we finally have an idea of what the Jets want.
Four criteria emerged throughout draft weekend, with most of the Jets’ draft picks falling into these categories. Some of these trends continued with their undrafted free agents as well (you can find the Jets’ undrafted free agents on our tracker here).
So what do the Jets’ rookies have in common?
Youth movement on day one and two
This trend quickly became apparent at the end of the second day of the Jets draft. Their first three picks had an average age of under 21. The only player who can legally drink is Armand Membou, who turned 21 a month ago. Meanwhile, Thomas was the sixth-youngest player in the draft, and Taylor was tenth.
Drafting young players makes sense, as they generally have more room for growth. Just entering their 20s, the players are still filling out their frames. Considering all three could stand to improve their play strength, this is good news for the Jets.
The biggest difference is in the mental game. These players are still maturing and learning the positions they play. Their technique and awareness have even more room to improve compared to players with more experience.
However, this trend disappeared on day three. The Jets’ remaining picks were all at least 22 and had an average age of over 23. This isn’t a huge surprise, either. On day three, you just hope to find players who are able to contribute. With more years of tape, the Jets’ scouts have a larger sample size to identify the strengths and weaknesses of each player to determine their odds of success in the NFL.
Athleticism highly coveted
In a trend that continues from the Jets’ previous regime, athleticism is a must. Using Relative Athletic Scores, the Jets finished with the fifth-highest average at 8.58.
This isn’t a huge shock, as the Broncos (Mougey’s former team) and the Lions (Glenn’s) ranked ninth and 10th, respectively. Speed was a major focus, with four of the Jets’ seven players scoring in the 95th percentile or higher in the forty-yard dash.
This has continued with undrafted free agents as well. Four of the first six signings had an RAS over 9.00.
Not everyone fits this mold. Malachi Moore scored poorly, but Glenn’s connection to him was stronger. And despite Azareye’h Thomas’ poor 40-yard dash time, the Jets felt comfortable that his tape showed a much better athlete.
Power 4 conferences dominate the NY Jets’ draft
One of the things that stuck out the most among the Jets’ draft class is that they all play in the Power 4 conferences. This refers to the SEC, Big 12, Big Ten, and ACC, the four best conferences in college football. The Jets took four players from the SEC and three from the ACC.
This is another trend that continued for undrafted free agents. Currently, 9 out of 13 came from Power 4 conferences.
These teams get the best recruits, have the best training staffs, and play in the biggest games. They increasingly dominate the draft, with 86.7% of players in the 2025 draft coming from the Power 4 conferences.
For a rookie staff, they may have opted to bet on players that were more battle-tested than their small-school compatriots.
Production matters as much as projection
It’s surprising how often the highest-rated players in the draft aren’t the most productive players at their position. Talent and potential are heavily emphasized parts of the draft process, often valued over production.
That’s outside of Florham Park, at least.
All but one of the Jets’ picks were at least honorable mentions for All-Conference teams:
All-SEC
- OT Armand Membou (2nd)
- S Malachi Moore (2nd)
- TE Mason Taylor (3rd)
All-ACC
- CB Azareye’h Thomas (HM)
- LB Francis Mauigoa (2nd)
- DE Tyler Baron (HM)
Playing in the best conferences in the country, most of the Jets’ draft picks were recognized among the best at their positions.
Jets’ draft criteria give them high odds of success
For a first-time general manager and head coach, the Jets gave themselves the best odds of hitting on their picks. Not only did they bet on players who have shown production, but the Jets also made sure they targeted players who have the traits to continue growing in the NFL.
The Jets bet on their coaching staff, too. Many of the Jets’ day three picks have major holes in their game. But it’s clear from the Jets’ calls to each that they believed in the potential of each one. It is a bold choice, but it’s the best way to learn their own strengths as scouts and coaches.
Now, we can only wait and see if that strategy pays off.
