As difficult a start to the season as the New York Jets have endured, there’s at least one bright spot amid all the negatives.
The 2025 draft class looks like a strong group.
New York made seven selections in April’s draft. Of those seven, six players have started at least one game through the first eight weeks of their rookie seasons. While the level of success has varied for each, the overall class has performed well despite being thrust into key roles early.
Just how good has the group been? Here’s a breakdown and grade for each member of the Jets’ 2025 draft class.
Armand Membou – A
Few rookies in the 2025 class have been as impressive as seventh overall pick Armand Membou. The offensive tackle didn’t allow a single pressure in New York’s latest win and has arguably been the best lineman on one of the league’s top offensive fronts.
Pro Football Focus ranks Membou as the No. 10 right tackle in the NFL, as well as the top rookie offensive lineman.
If he played any other position, Membou might be in the running for Offensive Rookie of the Year. He’s been that good.
Mason Taylor – B+
He hasn’t quite matched Membou’s dominance, but second-round tight end Mason Taylor has been a solid contributor in his own right. Through eight weeks, Taylor has become the Jets’ second-best receiving target.
Taylor has totaled 29 receptions for 242 yards and a game-winning touchdown in New York’s first victory of the season. With each week, Taylor’s confidence and chemistry in the offense continue to grow, putting him on track to become a key weapon for the Jets.
Azareye’h Thomas – C+
Third-round cornerback Azareye’h Thomas hasn’t had as many opportunities as others in this class. The Florida State product made his first start in the Jets’ 39-38 win over Cincinnati last week.
Thomas was targeted five times, giving up three catches for 68 yards and a touchdown. Outside of one hiccup against Tee Higgins, a 44-yard touchdown, Thomas covered well against the duo of Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase throughout the game. It’s a performance the rookie can build on.
Malachi Moore – B
A fourth-round pick who many considered a sleeper, Malachi Moore has proven that label accurate so far. The safety has started five games and recorded 34 tackles this season.
He’s been productive in limited snaps and continues to improve with each outing. The more playing time Moore gets, the more his impact grows.
Arian Smith – C
The fourth-round wide receiver out of Georgia was viewed as a reach when New York selected him. While Smith impressed during training camp and preseason, his regular-season opportunities have been limited.
So far, he’s recorded six receptions for 47 yards on 10 targets in 2025. A 60 percent catch rate is solid for a rookie, but Smith needs to become a more consistent offensive threat before his grade can improve.
Francisco Mauigoa – B
One of the biggest surprises of this class has been sixth-round linebacker Kiko Mauigoa. The Miami product was expected to contribute mainly on special teams, but injuries opened the door for him to earn defensive reps.
In his third start of the season in Week 6, Mauigoa posted an impressive Pro Football Focus grade of 86.3. While his overall numbers remain modest, the Jets have to be pleased with the production from a late-round pick who has exceeded expectations.
Tyler Baron – D
As a sixth-round selection, expectations for edge rusher Tyler Baron were already modest. Still, his rookie season has been a struggle.
Baron has looked overmatched at times and hasn’t shown signs of immediate NFL readiness. That doesn’t diminish the success of the overall class, but he’s easily been the weakest performer of the group.
Final Thoughts
Despite New York’s 1-7 start, the 2025 draft class offers real promise. From Membou’s dominance on the offensive line to Taylor’s emergence as a receiving threat, several rookies have already become core contributors.
If the group continues to develop, it could form the foundation of the Jets’ next competitive roster.
