Tyler Baron: A New Piece for the Jets Defensive Line

The New York Jets traded up to No. 176 overall to make their final pick of the day, defensive end Tyler Baron from Louisville. This move concluded the Jets 2025 NFL Draft picks, barring any unforeseen picks in the seventh round, which would come in a trade. This is something that has happened many times before, but it’s unlikely that it will happen this year for the Jets, as they seem to be pretty happy with the haul they got in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Baron rounds out an impressive draft class, which also includes Arman Membou, Mason Taylor, Azareye’h Thomas, Arian Smith, Malachi Moore, and Francisco Mauigoa. To say this draft class was a success would be a massive understatement. The only questionable pick in their draft is wide receiver Smith, but he could still develop, and with his lightning-quick speed, could be a major player in the NFL. So, how does Baron fit into the Jets’ defense?

Analyzing How Tyler Baron Fits Into The NY Jets Defense

Baron, who was picked in the fifth round, is a very low-risk and high-reward pick. The Jets added another player with ties to Jason Taylor to round out their 2025 NFL Draft class. After selecting Mason Taylor, Jason’s son, back in the second round, the Jets returned to the Taylor pipeline and drafted edge rusher Baron at No. 176  overall in the fifth round.

Baron joins a Jets defensive end room that is filled with potential but still carries some big question marks. Former first-round pick, Will McDonald, broke out in 2024 with 10.5 sacks and is hoping to continue improving as one of the Jets top edge defenders. On the flip side, another former first-rounder, Jermaine Johnson, will be returning from a torn Achilles that held him to just two games last year. This creates more than some uncertainty about his injury as he hopes to return to form.

Beyond those two, the Jets depth at the edge rusher position fizzles out fast. Michael Clemons has yet to show he’s anything more than a rotational piece at the very best, and undrafted free agents Eric Watts and Braiden McGregor are still trying to earn their spot. Adding Baron to the mix gives the Jets another young and athletic pass rusher to develop.

At minimum, he should be able to push the bottom half of the depth chart. Baron is still far from a finished product. He shows impressive speed-to-power ability and can win with his motor and physicality when his hand usage is right, but there is still a lot of inconsistency in his game.

He struggles to consistently set the edge in the run game, and struggles getting to the runner, and there are questions about how well his traits will translate against NFL-caliber tackles. Since he struggled already very mightily in college with the same issues. That said, there’s some clear upside to work with, especially under new head coach Aaron Glenn’s defensive staff.

At the very least, Baron shows as a potential special-teams contributor and rotational edge defender in his rookie season. With coaching and development, we could see Baron carve out a more significant role. Barron has shown he has the athleticism, toughness, and pedigree to succeed in the NFL, and they continue to build their next era of the roster.

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