Jets Take Some Gambles With ’25 Class; Grading the ’25 Draft

It feels like we have to preface every Jets draft grade with the same reminder; These grades are not a prediction as to how a player’s career will turn out from this point on.  They are one person’s opinion not only on the players, but also on whether or not the approach to making the pick makes sense.

And also, it’s not that serious.  So if you have somebody in your life who gets triggered over draft grades, maybe find some better friends.

So with that in mind…a review and grade for the Jets 2025 draft class.

For the podcast version, just click here.

RT Armand Membou (Round 1, Pick 7): You’d have to be crazy not to like this pick.  Membou is an absolute monster at right tackle who dominated the SEC for several years.  He has elite athleticism and has been plenty durable during his time at Mizzou.

Grade: A

TE Mason Taylor (Round 2, 42 overall): The cupboard is bare at 1 Jets Drive and Taylor gives Gang Green a potential high end pass catcher at tight end that they’ve been lacking for what feels like forever.

Grade: B

CB Azareye’h Thomas (Round 3, 73rd overall): A long, tall corner who is a nightmare in press, Thomas has the potential to be an elite player, but using the 73rd pick on a backup is something you do when you’re a team ready to win now.  The Jets aren’t ready to win any time soon, and there’s a chance Thomas sits for a while while the Jets have plenty of other holes that need to be addressed.

Grade: C-

WR Arian Smith (Round 4, 100th overall): An absolute blazer at wide receiver, Smith looks like a jackrabbit at the snap and if you don’t get a hand on him, he’s going to get open.  Wide open.  But the speed demon did have thirteen career drops in college go to along with a long list of injuries.  He’s a huge gamble this early on and was projected by some to be a priority undrafted free agent.

Grade: D

S Malachi Moore (Round 4, 130th overall): A very good all-around player out of Alabama, Moore has a chance to solidify the Jets safety spot which is something that has been sorely missed for some time.

Grade: B+

LB Francisco Mauigoa (Round 5, 162nd overall0: Mauigoa has solid athleticism for his size but will make his money as a thumper on defense and special teams.  He’s more of the “traditional” linebacker that Aaron Glenn covets.

Grade: C+

DE Tyler Baron (Round 5, 176th overall): Baron’s selection could mean the end of the Michael Clemons era.  A stout D-lineman who plays well against both the run and the pass, Baron has a chance to make the roster and contribute early on.

Grade: B

The Jets laned some quality players in this class, but failing to fill a glaring hole at defensive tackle despite a historically deep class is a huge strike against them.  Given the fact that the Jets linebackers are on the smaller side, it would have made sense to beef up the D-line to keep them freed up from opposing blockers.

Stopping the run might be quite a challenge for this defense if they don’t find a way to get Quinnen Williams some help.

Overall Grade: C

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