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The 2025 NFL draft is in the books, and the New York Jets came away with seven players.
Going into the first draft of a new regime, fans and analysts had nothing to base their expectations on. What do general manager Darren Mougey and head coach Aaron Glenn look for in a player?
Here are the results of the draft:
- Round 1 | Pick 7: OT Armand Membou – Missouri
- Round 2 | Pick 42: TE Mason Taylor – LSU
- Round 3 | Pick 73: CB Azareye’h Thomas – Florida State
- Round 4 | Pick 110: WR Arian Smith – Georgia
- Round 4 | Pick 130: S Malachi Moore – Alabama
- Round 5 | Pick 162: LB Francisco Mauigoa – Miami
- Round 5 | Pick 176: EDGE Tyler Baron – Louisville
With one draft class in the rearview, we finally have an idea of what the Jets want.
Four criteria emerged throughout draft weekend, with most of the Jets’ draft picks falling into these categories. Some of these trends continued with their undrafted free agents as well (you can find the Jets’ undrafted free agents on our tracker here).
So what do the Jets’ rookies have in common?
Youth movement on day one and two
This trend quickly became apparent at the end of the second day of the Jets draft. Their first three picks had an average age of under 21. The only player who can legally drink is Armand Membou, who turned 21 a month ago. Meanwhile, Thomas was the sixth-youngest player in the draft, and Taylor was tenth.
Drafting young players makes sense, as they generally have more room for growth. Just entering their 20s, the players are still filling out their frames. Considering all three could stand to improve their play strength, this is good news for the Jets.
The biggest difference is in the mental game. These players are still maturing and learning the positions they play. Their technique and awareness have even more room to improve compared to players with more experience.
However, this trend disappeared on day three. The Jets’ remaining picks were all at least 22 and had an average age of over 23. This isn’t a huge surprise, either. On day three, you just hope to find players who are able to contribute. With more years of tape, the Jets’ scouts have a larger sample size to identify the strengths and weaknesses of each player to determine their odds of success in the NFL.
Athleticism highly coveted
In a trend that continues from the Jets’ previous regime, athleticism is a must. Using Relative Athletic Scores, the Jets finished with the fifth-highest average at 8.58.
5. The #Jets came in fifth in the first year of Aaron Glenn's tenure, but they've actually been highly ranked the last couple of seasons, including also coming in 5th last season. Glenn came from the Lions, who've also traditionally valued athleticism highly. pic.twitter.com/6u0pDRNIVg
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) April 27, 2025
This isn’t a huge shock, as the Broncos (Mougey’s former team) and the Lions (Glenn’s) ranked ninth and 10th, respectively. Speed was a major focus, with four of the Jets’ seven players scoring in the 95th percentile or higher in the forty-yard dash.
This has continued with undrafted free agents as well. Four of the first six signings had an RAS over 9.00.
Not everyone fits this mold. Malachi Moore scored poorly, but Glenn’s connection to him was stronger. And despite Azareye’h Thomas’ poor 40-yard dash time, the Jets felt comfortable that his tape showed a much better athlete.
Power 4 conferences dominate the NY Jets’ draft
One of the things that stuck out the most among the Jets’ draft class is that they all play in the Power 4 conferences. This refers to the SEC, Big 12, Big Ten, and ACC, the four best conferences in college football. The Jets took four players from the SEC and three from the ACC.
This is another trend that continued for undrafted free agents. Currently, 9 out of 13 came from Power 4 conferences.
These teams get the best recruits, have the best training staffs, and play in the biggest games. They increasingly dominate the draft, with 86.7% of players in the 2025 draft coming from the Power 4 conferences.
For a rookie staff, they may have opted to bet on players that were more battle-tested than their small-school compatriots.
Production matters as much as projection
It’s surprising how often the highest-rated players in the draft aren’t the most productive players at their position. Talent and potential are heavily emphasized parts of the draft process, often valued over production.
That’s outside of Florham Park, at least.
All but one of the Jets’ picks were at least honorable mentions for All-Conference teams:
All-SEC
- OT Armand Membou (2nd)
- S Malachi Moore (2nd)
- TE Mason Taylor (3rd)
All-ACC
- CB Azareye’h Thomas (HM)
- LB Francis Mauigoa (2nd)
- DE Tyler Baron (HM)
Playing in the best conferences in the country, most of the Jets’ draft picks were recognized among the best at their positions.
Jets’ draft criteria give them high odds of success
For a first-time general manager and head coach, the Jets gave themselves the best odds of hitting on their picks. Not only did they bet on players who have shown production, but the Jets also made sure they targeted players who have the traits to continue growing in the NFL.
The Jets bet on their coaching staff, too. Many of the Jets’ day three picks have major holes in their game. But it’s clear from the Jets’ calls to each that they believed in the potential of each one. It is a bold choice, but it’s the best way to learn their own strengths as scouts and coaches.
Now, we can only wait and see if that strategy pays off.
More must-reads:
- Bills agree to multiyear extension with Pro Bowl RB
- Browns HC sends message to Myles Garrett after latest speeding incident
- The '2023 NFL AP second-team All-Pro' quiz
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Green Bay Packers Avoid Major Injury With 2 Key Offensive Playmakers
Training camp and preseason are all about staying healthy for the start of the season. For the Green Bay Packers, Tuesday’s practice on August 12, 2025, served as a reminder of how fickle luck can be. Tight end Luke Musgrave and wide receiver Romeo Doubs both sent shockwaves through training camp when they went down with injuries during practice. Thankfully, the latest updates have fans breathing a collective sigh of relief as both players appear to have avoided serious setbacks. With both Musgrave and Doubs set to play pivotal roles in the Packers’ offense this season, their health becomes a top priority as the team inches closer to the regular season. Here’s everything you need to know about their injury scares, subsequent updates, and what it all means for Green Bay’s 2025 outlook. Green Bay Packers Injury Scares Luke Musgrave’s Ankle Jolt Luke Musgrave, the Packers’ promising tight end drafted in 2023, sent tension rippling through the camp after hurting his ankle during an otherwise celebratory moment. Shortly after making a touchdown grab, Musgrave appeared to tweak his ankle and was visibly uncomfortable. With each cautious step, anxiety loomed heavy over the coaching staff, the fans, and the young tight end hoping to lock in his position as one of Jordan Love’s go-to weapons. Romeo Doubs’ Back Collision Minutes later, another scare followed—this time involving Romeo Doubs, one of the key cogs in Green Bay’s wide receiver corps. Doubs collided with safety Evan Williams on an incomplete deep ball, the impact leaving him slow to rise and clutching his lower back. He was taken to the Hutson Center for further evaluation, leaving a cloud of uncertainty hanging over the practice field. Positive Updates Highlight Potential Return Despite Tuesday’s ominous moments, Wednesday brought welcome news for Green Bay. Both Musgrave and Doubs appear to have avoided long-term injuries, with reporters noting that neither player is dealing with anything serious enough to threaten their availability for the season opener. “Seems both Romeo Doubs and Luke Musgrave are OK after injury scares yesterday,” noted Packers insider Zach Kruse. This promising update means that both players could return to action soon, ensuring the Packers’ offense remains intact as the team continues preparation for Week 1. What Their Health Means for the Packers’ Offense The Packers’ offense operates with one goal in mind this season—establishing rhythm and continuity under quarterback Jordan Love, who is entering his inaugural campaign as the definitive starter. Doubs and Musgrave are central to that plan, and their health will play a critical role in Green Bay’s potential success. Luke Musgrave’s Role at Tight End Musgrave, with his 6-foot-6 frame and elite athleticism, is expected to be a dynamic option in the red zone and over the middle of the field. His ability to stretch defenses with his straight-line speed gives Jordan Love a pivotal mismatch to exploit. With Packers coach Matt LaFleur known for creative schemes involving tight ends, Musgrave is poised to surpass his rookie-year contributions and become one of the team’s top offensive weapons. An extended absence would leave Green Bay thin at tight end, forcing them to lean too heavily on backups like Tucker Kraft. Musgrave dodging serious injury is a huge sigh of relief for the coaching staff looking to build around their versatile second-year player. Romeo Doubs’ Importance to the Receiver Room Romeo Doubs enters the 2025 season with a chance to take another step forward as a reliable and potentially explosive wide receiver. With Christian Watson and Jayden Reed entering their third and fourth year, respectively, Doubs slots as a complementary target with the ability to move the chains and create chunk plays. The injury scare highlighted just how fragile the team’s depth at wide receiver can be. Any significant time missed by Doubs would leave the Packers scrambling between lesser-proven options like Dontayvion Wicks and rookie pass-catchers to fill the void. Thankfully, Green Bay won’t need to shuffle the depth chart just yet—a massive win for maintaining offensive stability down the stretch of camp. The Packers’ Injury Landscape Musgrave and Doubs’ recoveries come as part of a broader injury narrative for the Packers this preseason. With quarterback Jordan Love nursing a thumb injury and other depth players sidelined, the team has been walking a fine line between preparation and preservation. Coach Matt LaFleur has stressed a cautious approach to managing workloads in camp, aiming to ensure all 53 regular-season contributors are healthy and ready when the games matter most. With Musgrave and Doubs added to the list of “narrow escapes,” it’s clear the Packers have dodged a significant bullet in maintaining the offensive cohesion their new-look roster needs to gel. Final Thoughts The injury updates on Luke Musgrave and Romeo Doubs may not seem headline-worthy given they avoided serious setbacks, but their importance to Green Bay’s offense cannot be overstated. Both players represent key building blocks in an evolving attack centered on unlocking the full potential of Jordan Love. For now, Packers fans and coaches alike can breathe easy knowing their $12-million offensive duo is still on track for a healthy and impactful 2025 campaign. But as camp rolls on and preseason games begin, the emphasis for Green Bay will remain clear—avoid losses on the injury report at all costs.
King of New York: Pete Alonso breaks major Mets all-time record
Pete Alonso is now the New York Mets' all-time home run king. With his opposite-field, two-run home run in the bottom of the third inning against the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday night, Alonso clubbed the 253rd and 254th home runs of his Mets career, moving him into sole possession of first place on the team's all-time list. He moved two home runs ahead of the previous record-holder, Darryl Strawberry, who hit 252 home runs with the team between the 1983 and 1990 seasons. Here is a look at his record-setting home run. Later in the bottom of the sixth inning, Alonso hit his 254th home run: Along with the all-time Mets home run lead, Alonso is also the Mets' single-season home run leader with 53 home runs during the 2019 season. Strawberry congratulated Alonso on breaking his record: His home runs on Tuesday were his 27th and 28th of the season. It is a big deal for Alonso because there was some doubt this past offseason about whether he would have a chance to set this record. Even though he was close, the uncertainty around his future, given his free-agent status, created a lot of questions about where he would play. Ultimately, the Mets re-signed him to a two-year, $54 million contract that includes an opt-out clause following the 2025 season. That opt-out will again create some uncertainty about his future, but it is pretty clear Alonso still has a lot of power left in his bat. Whether he returns to the Mets or goes somewhere else, he will remain the franchise's greatest home run hitter for the foreseeable future. He is now on top of the record books for the single season and career.
ESPN believes one Michigan football player is in store for a sophomore breakout season
Some sophomores, who burst onto the scene during their freshman season, can be known to have sophomore slumps. But there are also freshmen who came on late in 2024, who are expected to take major leaps in 2025. ESPN came out with 11 of those sophomores who are in store for a breakout season. One of which is Michigan RB Jordan Marshall. The former Mr. Ohio RB battled injuries last season, and was stuck behind both Kalel Mullings and Donovan Edwards. But after neither Mullings nor Edwards could play in the ReliaQuest Bowl -- Michigan asked Marshall to step up. And step up he did. It was a career day for the freshman, getting 23 carries for 100 yards and earning the MVP Award. "We got a taste of what Marshall brings to the table at the ReliaQuest Bowl. The No. 7 back in the 2024 ESPN 300, he went for 100 yards on 23 carries in the first and only start of his young career. The former Ohio Mr. Football will team up with Alabama transfer Justice Haynes in the Wolverines backfield. Early in preseason camp, it appears the reps will be shared, with Haynes as 1a and Marshall 1b. Marshall is elusive in tight quarters, fast in the open field and powerful on contact with a low center of gravity. He boasted the top verified shuttle (5-10-5) out of high school with 4.1 seconds, which would have been second among running backs at this year's NFL combine." Marshall isn't alone, but that's always the case when it comes to Michigan. The Wolverines always use two ball carriers to propel the run game, and in 2025, Marshall is joined by former Alabama RB Justice Haynes. Recently, Marshall said he and Haynes were complete backs and could carry the load. "I don't know how much different we are. We're both complete backs," said Marshall. "We balance from pass pro, to catching the ball, to running the ball. "I don't know how much different we are. We're pretty physical, both of us. We like to make people miss. We like to talk a little smack. "It's been fun just learning from him and learning from his game and picking up on some moves, some things he does, some things off the field, how he prepares. That's something that I really look up to is just how he prepares, how he gets his body right and something that I can be better at and I'm trying to take that from his game and learn from him in that aspect."
Five best NFL offseason value signings on offense: Bills get great deal with RB extension
Few know how to spend money like an NFL front office. This offseason, teams handed out over $4 billion in extensions alone, not to mention the several other billions spent in free agency. But which were the shrewdest investments? Below, we examine the best value signings at five positions on offense: quarterback, running back, wide receiver, tight end and offensive line. Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith Contract: Two years, $75 million ($65.5M guaranteed) Shortly after acquiring Smith in a trade from the Seattle Seahawks, the Raiders extended the 2022 Associated Press Comeback Player of the Year to a contract that raises the Raiders' floor while maintaining flexibility. Smith has a manageable $26.5M cap hit in 2026, when Over The Cap projects Las Vegas to have the third-most cap space ($78.7M) based on an estimated 5.8 percent cap increase. Since 2022, Smith has the third-highest completion percentage (68.5 percent) among 32 quarterbacks with at least 20 starts during that span. He's also tied with Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes for the second-most fourth-quarter comebacks (10) and trails only Mahomes in game-winning drives. Buffalo Bills running back James Cook Contract: Four years, $48M ($30M guaranteed) Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams pierced Cook's bubble when he signed a three-year, $33M extension on Aug. 5. The Bills running back sought $15M per year, making his $12M in annual average value (AAV) a huge win for Buffalo. Over Cook's first three seasons, he's averaged 4.9 yards per carry. In 2024, he led the NFL with 16 rushing touchdowns. With just 533 career tackles, Cook doesn't have the wear-and-tear of other backs who've made splashes early in their careers, raising hopes that he can withstand the workload that comes with being Buffalo's featured back. Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins Contract: Four years, $115M ($40.9M guaranteed) The Bengals retained Higgins at a remarkable price, keeping him in Cincinnati at less than $30M per year, the going rate for the league's top wideouts. Per Spotrac, while Higgins is No. 10 in AAV among wide receivers, he ranks just outside the top 20 in guaranteed money. Last season, Higgins averaged 75.9 receiving yards per game, his most since 2021, and scored a career-high 10 touchdowns despite missing five games due to injury. Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride Contract: Four years, $76M ($43M guaranteed) The 2024 first-team All-Pro ranks No. 1 among tight ends in guaranteed salary. However, if he continues producing numbers more akin to WR1s — last season, he had 111 receptions, 1,146 receiving yards and two touchdowns — his contract will be one of the league's better bargains. Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley Contract: Three years, $60M ($44M guaranteed) Stanley's journey back from a devastating 2020 lower leg injury culminated in the 2019 first-team All-Pro being named a Pro Bowler for the second time in his first nine seasons last year. The No. 6 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft was rewarded with a contract that will keep him in Baltimore through his age-33 season. In terms of average annual value, his extension ranks below other left tackles who signed contracts this offseason, and not just younger players such as Rashawn Slater (Los Angeles Chargers), who was recently lost for the season, and Bernhard Raimann (Indianapolis Colts). Atlanta Falcons tackle Jake Matthews, 33, is averaging $22.5M on his current deal, while Las Vegas Raiders tackle Kolton Miller, 29, is set to earn $22M per year through 2028.
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