Jets Hit a Home Run in the NFL Draft with Defensive Steal
The New York Jets made a major move in the 2025 NFL Draft, adding a promising cornerback to their already strong secondary. While the team already boasts one of the top cornerbacks in the league in Sauce Gardner, they landed another potential star with the 73rd overall pick in the third round: Azareye’h Thomas from Florida State.
The Athletic’s Zack Rosenblatt praised the pick as the Jets’ “best value pick” of the draft, noting that many scouts had Thomas rated as a second-round talent. “Most evaluators had Thomas graded as a second-round prospect—he was ranked the sixth-best cornerback and 51st overall in ‘The Beast,’” Rosenblatt wrote. “The Jets were able to snag him at No. 73. Cornerback wasn’t the Jets’ biggest need, but they have one of the best coaching staffs for defensive backs, including head coach Aaron Glenn, defensive backs coach Chris Harris, and assistant coach Dre’ Bly.”
Rosenblatt believes the Jets’ strong coaching staff will maximize Thomas’ potential. At 6-foot-2 and 196 pounds, the 20-year-old fits the mold of what Glenn seeks in his cornerbacks, bringing the right combination of size and physicality at the line of scrimmage.
While New York’s cornerback group was already solid, adding Thomas makes it even stronger. With Glenn’s defensive expertise, Thomas’ fall in the draft could turn into a significant advantage for the Jets moving forward.
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