Perhaps the 2025 regular season wasn’t a complete loss for the New York Jets.
At least the team received quality play from their incoming rookie class.
From first-round pick Armand Membou to tight end Mason Taylor, to savvy late-round selections on the defensive side of the ball, Gang Green was pleased throughout the season with the level of production from their rookies.
Now, they’ve been rewarded by ESPN’s All-Rookie Team.
Jets rookies honored following rough first season
Right tackle Armand Membou was the lone Jets name to actually make ESPN’s All-Rookie Team in 2025.
“The Jets’ best runs and screens have often come to the offensive right on the back of Membou’s ability to uproot defensive linemen and carve out running lanes,” Ben Solak wrote as part of the announcement. “He’s an impactful player.”
Membou wasn’t the only rookie to receive recognition, though.
Third-round cornerback AZ Thomas and fourth-round cornerback Malachi Moore each received honorable mentions.
Moore played in all 17 games and finished second on the team and tied for third among all rookies in tackles (101). In addition, he was the only player on the roster to contribute a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
“Moore brought impressive physicality to the box for a Jets defense in need of tone-setters,” Solak wrote. “Moore is one to watch as well.”
Thomas and Moore were forced into the Jets’ defensive lineup after injuries and ineffective play cost the back-end of the unit significant time. Before injuries caught up to Thomas, both showed plenty of bright spots to be considered key pieces for the future of the franchise.
Armand Membou is clearly the crown jewel of the group. His play reinforced that point in 2025. But if the team continues to get improvement from the most recent draft class, it could change how the New York Jets are perceived in 2026 and beyond.