The New York Jets have a new head coach, a new general manager a new approach following an Aaron Rodgers experiment gone wrong.
Although there was some tough luck with injuries factoring into Rodgers not working out in New York, the team went into the offseason in need of a roster reset. In building around star players like Sauce Gardner, Quinnen Williams, Breece Hall, Garrett Wilson and new quarterback Justin Fields, the focus for GM Darren Mougey and new head coach Aaron Glenn headed into the 2025 NFL Draft was to find tough and resilient players.
New York Jets address top needs:
In looking at the 2025 draft class, the Jets have some intriguing rookies who have the talent and skillsets to come in and make an immediate impact in their first season.
Here are 3 rookies to watch for the New York Jets:
Round 1, Pick No. 7 – Armand Membou, OT, Missouri: The Jets addressed the offensive line early in the first round with the selection of Membou to take over at right tackle. Big, strong and a force on the offensive line, the Missouri product will help the Jets offensive line become stronger in the trenches immediately. One NFL reporter is already comparing him to an NFL legend.
In ESPN’s bold on the 2025 rookie class, Jeremy Fowler has Membou becoming a “premier right tackle early.” Due to his presence, size and athleticism, Fowler has Membou pegged as a “young Jason Peters.” The Jets would love that, and it will justify taking him with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Round 2, Pick No. 42 – Mason Taylor, TE, LSU: The son of NFL legend Jason Taylor, Jets rookie tight end Mason Taylor will make a name for himself immediately in the NFL. The LSU product stabilized himself as the third best tight end entering the draft. With the name and where he was drafted, there will be high expectations for the young tight end in a Jets’ uniform. He is embracing those expectations and will be the pass-catching tight end the team has coveted.
With Justin Fields now the man behind center, Taylor will have a chance early in the season to establish himself as one of the top targets in the Jets’ offense behind No. 1 receiver Garrett Wilson. With his athleticism and yards after the catch ability, Taylor will make an immediate impact in a Jets’ offense in need of playmakers.
Round 4, Pick No. 130: Malachi Moore, S, Alabama: The Jets round value in the middle rounds with the selection of former Alabama captain Malachi Moore with the No. 130 overall pick in the draft. With safety being one of the team needs entering the draft, Moore will help add depth at the position and will also bring more leadership to the secondary.
Although he is undersized at 5’11, 196 pounds, his versatility in the secondary will make him an instant favorite of new Jets head coach Aaron Glenn. He’ll be in the mix early for the Jets and should also make an impact on special teams. By the end of the season Malachi Moore will be a household name throughout Jets Nation.