Jets’ late-round sleeper predicted to make All-Rookie team

At first glance, New York Jets rookie safety Malachi Moore isn’t expected to put up much of an impact compared to his teammates taken in the 2025 draft.

That doesn’t mean he won’t have a role on the team this season, though.

The fourth-round pick out of Alabama comes to the NFL following an extensive college career for the Crimson Tide. He was a starter in his freshman season at Alabama and held a consistent role for five seasons (64 games).

That experience has one analyst believing Moore will be far better than many expect going into 2025.

Malachi Moore is a projected late-round steal

In his All-Rookie team prediction for 2025, CBS Sports’ Chris Trapasso listed Moore as one of the top defensive backs. He was the lone Jets representative on either side of the ball.

“Moore was a glue-guy in the Alabama secondary, and looked the part for the Jets in August,” Trapasso said. “On 85 snaps, he made 10 tackles, and was only targeted once, allowing a single catch for three yards. He was well-positioned on the back end at safety in Aaron Glenn’s defense.”

On paper right now, Moore is expected to be New York’s third safety behind Andre Cisco and Tony Adams. With more experience, though, he could carve out a significant role in his rookie year. Moore showed off impressive instincts and versatility on film throughout the preseason.

Trapasso’s prediction is well respected. There are many great rookies coming into the NFL this year.

But Moore being the lone Jet is quite surprising.

Seventh overall pick Armand Membou and second-round tight end Mason Taylor are expected to be immediate contributors on the offensive side of the ball. Even fellow fourth-round receiver Arian Smith should be impactful this year.

Regardless of the ranking, head coach Aaron Glenn is still thrilled with what he has in the fourth-round safety.

“Malachi Moore is going to be a hell of a player in this league,” Glenn said during a practice in July. “He’s gonna do some really good things for us.”

Trapasso agrees with New York’s head coach. Moore may have a much bigger role on the Jets than expected.