While many preseason storylines center around the longshots outperforming or undrafted players and rookies turning heads, the performances from roster locks are just as important.

The New York Jets have played their starters in the first two preseason games, giving fans a look at everyone on the field, and there hasn’t been much disappointment.

From Geno Smith leading the Jets to a perfect drive to begin Friday’s win against the Steelers to the defense securing a shutout, nearly everything went according to plan for Gang Green.

Particularly, though, cornerback Azareye’h Thomas deserves a shoutout for his great start to the preseason thus far.

AZ Thomas has balled out this preseason

Over the Jets’ first two preseason games, Thomas played 13 snaps in coverage and was only targeted once, resulting in this excellent pass breakup.

Over 24 total defensive snaps, Thomas has allowed no receptions, missed no tackles, and committed no penalties.

While the sample size is small, these numbers show that Thomas has been doing his job.

The Jets’ cornerback room is currently in a unique position. Thomas and Nahshon Wright seem to be competing for the starting spot opposite Brandon Stephens. Jarvis Brownlee has been making a push in the slot with second-round pick D’Angelo Ponds sidelined.

The question, though, is, do the Jets have a true No. 1?

Obviously, the team is hoping that Thomas, who was selected in the third round of the 2025 NFL draft, can fit that bill. If the preseason is any indication, he seems to be headed in the right direction.

While there are certainly concerns about his long speed after running a 4.58-second 40-yard dash, he is very capable of winning in coverage with his size and physicality, standing 6-foot-1½ and boasting 32⅜-inch arms.

Thomas has all of the traits and just turned 22 in July. For a third-round pick, the upside he holds was well worth the selection despite the Jets not having a glaring need at the position when he was drafted.

One year later, a lot has changed. With Sauce Gardner out of the picture, Thomas has a prime opportunity to blossom into New York’s CB1.

Amongst the Jets’ current CBs, Thomas currently profiles as the best fit in Aaron Glenn’s man-heavy system.

Glenn, who led the league in man coverage rate during the 2024 season when he was the Detroit Lions’ defensive coordinator, could frequently utilize the Florida State product in a press-coverage role.

Thomas proved in college that he can maximize his tools in man coverage.

During his senior season at FSU in 2024, over 109 man-coverage snaps, he allowed just 7 of 14 throws in his direction to be completed for 60 yards, zero touchdowns, and an interception. Thomas’ 31.8 allowed passer rating finished 12th-best among qualified FBS corners (minimum 10 targets in man coverage).

It is still early, but Thomas has done everything possible to demonstrate that he is ready to take on an expanded role in his second NFL season.