The New York Jets have been busy this offseason.
The team kicked things off by moving on from veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Then, in free agency, the team added Justin Fields, who the team hopes can finally lift them out of quarterback purgatory.
In the 2025 NFL Draft, the Jets had the No. 7 pick in the first round. While mock drafts varied wildly on what the team would do, the Jets stayed put and selected offensive tackle Armand Membou.
Membou should fill the massive void at right tackle and combine with Olu Fashanu to give the team a promising tackle duo.
In the second round, the team added intriguing tight end prospect Mason Taylor. Tight end was a massive need for the Jets after Tyler Conklin left in free agency.
The team made five other picks, including speedy cornerback Azareye’h Thomas and edge-rusher Tyler Baron.
Now, let’s identify the best and worst pick the team made over the weekend.
Best: Round 2, Pick 42- Mason Taylor, TE, LSU
Membou filled a massive need in round one and could end up being an elite tackle.
However, the second-round selection of Mason Taylor has to be considered the best pick from a need and value standpoint.
There was an argument to be made that Taylor was the best tight end prospect available with Tyler Warren and Colston Loveland off the board. At LSU, Taylor excelled as a pass-catcher and improved as a blocker in each of his three seasons.
In New York, Taylor should land the starting tight end spot immediately. Jeremy Ruckert was penciled in as the starter before the draft, but with just 35 career catches over three seasons, Taylor should win the job.
If Justin Fields is going to succeed in New York, he’ll need reliable weapons like Taylor.
Worst: Round 4, Pick 110- Arian Smith, WR, Georgia
The wide receiver position was a need for the Jets, but Arian Smith was not the best available option at the positon.
Smith was plagued by ugly drops in 2024 and that was disappointing to see from a fifth-year player. Smith is shifty and tested well, but the Jets need established receiver options, not projects.
When the team selected Smith, more polished receivers like Jalen Royals and Elic Ayomanor were still on the board. Royals is a solid route-runner with sure hands while Ayomanor is a big-bodied receiver who excels at coming down with 50/50 balls.
With the talent still on the board, it was strange to see the team reach for Smith. In an otherwise solid draft, this pick stands out as the worst selection.
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