Which Jets Rookies Will Have the Biggest Impact in 2025?
The NFL draft is, for all intents and purposes, a crapshoot. Just because you were picked high up doesn’t mean that you will be better than someone taken after you. Every year, players picked high end up disappointing, while players picked in later rounds outplay their draft position. Player success often depends on the situation. Based on the New York Jets' situation, here is a ranking of all of their rookies based on the impact they will have this coming season.
7. Francisco Mauigoa, LB
Despite having arguably the second coolest name in the class, surpassed only by Azareye’h Thomas, the Miami product will most likely have a minimal role in 2025. He is currently slated as the third linebacker on the depth chart behind the former All-Pro Quincy Williams and recently re-signed Jamien Sherwood. Francisco Mauigoa is a limited athlete, testing as the 12th most athletic linebacker at the combine, but is smart and physical. He will most likely be a good asset to have on first and second down, but not much else.
6. Tyler Baron, EDGE
Tyler Baron will most likely be a rotational piece on the Jets' defensive line this coming season. He’s currently slated to be behind former Jets first-rounders Jermaine Johnson and Will McDonald on the depth chart. He may get some playing time over Johnson while he recovers from the torn achilles he suffered last year, but don’t expect much more. There is a chance he grows into more in the coming years, but for this year, he will likely not have much impact.
5. Malachi Moore, Safety
The former Alabama team captain will have to battle it out with the incumbent on the depth chart in Tony Adams, but he will have just as much of a chance as anyone to prove himself in camp. Malachi Moore is the first player on this list who will have a legitimate chance of being a starter at some point this season. He’s a solid player who is good in coverage and could be an asset for a rebuilding Jets squad. If he cracks the starting 11, he could become a valuable piece for Steve Wilks’ defense.
4. Azareye’h Thomas, CB
Thomas is not in this position because of lack of talent, rather he is here because the Jets paid cornerback Brandon Stephens $12 million a year during free agency. Thomas is a very good man coverage player with excellent length, and if Stephens continues to struggle like he did in 2024, expect Thomas to step in and make an immediate impact. He is tailor-made for this Wilks defense. However, because of his spot on the depth chart at the current moment, he lands at number four on the list.
3. Arian Smith, WR
Many people were surprised when the Jets selected Smith in the 4th round, as he was 274 on the consensus big board. However, the Jets coaching staff has repeatedly met questions about the selection with unwavering faith. Arian Smith has legitimate game-breaking speed, but he had major issues with drops throughout his time at Georgia. Smith was adamant about being aware of his faults, however, and has stated that the drops were a concentration problem that he’s working on cleaning up. He’s looked good in rookie camp, and with the Jets’ thin ranks at wide receiver this year, Smith could make a legitimate push for wide receiver three behind Garrett Wilson and Allen Lazard.
2. Mason Taylor, TE
Former Alabama coach Nick Saban said that not getting Mason Taylor on the team was his biggest recruiting regret of all time. Considering he is arguably the greatest college coach of all time, that’s pretty big praise. Taylor is an all-around good player who fills a major hole for the Jets with the departure of veteran Tyler Conklin. Justin Fields loves throwing to his tight ends, so expect some solid production from Jason Taylor’s kid in 2025.
1. Armand Membou, RT
The first player a team picks isn’t always their most impactful, but in the Jets' case, it is. Armand Membou was ranked by some as the best tackle in the draft, and luckily for the Jets, they had a hole at the right tackle position with the loss of Morgan Moses to a division rival in free agency. With this addition of the final piece, the Jets have completed their six-year rebuild of their offensive line and have given quarterback Justin Fields the best protection he’s had since his time at Ohio State. This pick will quite literally make the offense run, and is a no-brainer for the most impactful in their entire draft.
