The Jets may have been the NFL’s prime time darlings last season, but that won’t be the cast in 2025 as they have just two late night meetings.

Your 2025 Jets schedule

See you at MetLife https://t.co/rxJ1DzR53i pic.twitter.com/ITMt5uZkES

— New York Jets (@nyjets) May 15, 2025

Gang Green will face the division rival Dolphins and Patriots in prime time and every other kickoff will be 1pm, with the exception of another London game.  On October 12th the Jets travel back across the pond to take on the Denver Broncos.

With so many questions up and down the Jets roster and coaching staff, it’s hard to envision them winning more games than they did last season.

Perhaps the most interesting note on the schedule is the possibility of facing former quarterback Aaron Rodgers to kick off the season at MetLife Stadium when the Jets face the Pittsburgh Steelers.  While Rodgers is currently a free agent, plenty of rumors have swirled that suggest he’ll be a Steeler when week 1 rolls around.

While plenty of time has been dedicated to covering the many obvious facts floating around in regards to this year’s group of Jets rookies, we thought we’d do some digging to find some more obscure tidbits.

So on this episode of JetNation radio, we go from Armand Membou all the way to the likes of Payton Page and Fatorma Mulbah.

Which player had a perfect completion percentage as a passer on trick plays?  What offensive lineman surrendered just one sack in his college career?  And while we all know about Arian Smith, did the Jets add a second receiver with blazing speed and a bad case of butterfingers?  Yes they did.

Jets rookie minicamp entered its second day today and headed outdoors after playing inside yesterday.  Head coach Aaron Glenn had some praise for some of the youngsters as Rich Cimini of ESPN New York chimed in with some thoughts of his own.

Glenn kicked things off by stressing the fact that what any of these players did and where they came from doesn’t matter.  Now that they’re in the building, they have a shot.  What would players have to do to stand out?  Glenn listed the three things he was looking for.

Glenn also thanked his former boss in Lions head coach Dan Campbell, who would at times, allow Glenn to address the entire Detroit team, not just the defense.

Speaking about speedy wide receiver Arian Smith, Glenn said under his breath but audibly “Arian has some juice, don’t he?”  Smith’s speed is a trait that will garner plenty of attention.

Perhaps most interesting from Cimini was noting the fact that Glenn has all rookies taking part in the practice sessions.  Under previous head coach Robert Saleh, rookies were spectators only as the team looked to avoid injuries.

Tight end Mason Taylor is the player the Jets thought they were getting according to Glenn.  Taylor shows good hands and ability to knife between defenders according to the rookie head coach.

For more on observations from today’s Jets rookie minicamp, click the link above to listen on JetNation radio or watch via youtube.

The Jets kicked off their rookie minicamp today and according to those in attendance, there were a few things that stood out from both players and coaches.

WR Amari Smith: Yes, Smith did have a drop during individual drills but several beat writers in attendance lauded his blazing speed.  In fact, Nick Faria of Athlon Sports said he believes Smith compares favorably to former NFL star DeSean Jackson.  Faria added that he expects Smith to land the Jets second receiver job this season.

QB Brady Cook: While it was just one play, it was encouraging to see Zach Rosenblatt of The Athletic note Cook completing a pass on the move under duress.  One of the most appealing things about the Mizzou product is his athleticism and ability to make throws on the move.

Armand Membou: Not that you would expect any different, but Rich Cimini of ESPN took a look at Membou during 11-on-11 drills and said he was as smooth as advertised.

The draft picks are participating in 11 on 11. Different philosophy from the previous regime. First-round pick Armand Membou, who signed his contract yesterday, is what the scouting reports say — a smooth mover with quick feet. #Jets

— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) May 9, 2025

Jets Coaching Staff: This was an observation that was noted by several in attendance.  It seems that day 1 of rookie minicamp was lively as Aaron Glenn’s staff was very hands-on and vocal.  A nice way to lay a foundation for what players should come to expect when full practices get rolling.

Veterans in attendance: The Jets invited a few of their veteran players already under contract who the coaching staff wanted to get more of a look at.  Most notably, tight end Zack Kuntz, guard Kohl Levao, quarterback Adrian Martinez and offensive tackle Obinna Eze.

TE Mason Taylor: Some of the rookies met with the press after practice and tight end Mason Taylor impressed.  Asked about living “in the shadow” of his father Jason, he said it didn’t bother him at all.  Taylor discussed growing up watching his father and uncle (Zach Thomas) play the game at a high level and is happy to be associated with them.

Jets rookie GM Darren  Mougey looks to be hard at work with rookie mini-camp on the horizon as tons of rookie deals have been announced this evening.

Thus far the Jets have reportedly agreed to new deals with number seven pick Armand Membou, third-round pick Azareye’h Thomas, fourth round pick Malachi Moore and both fifth-round picks in linebacker Francisco Mauigoa and edge rusher Tyler Baron.

They have also signed Armand Membou and Azareye'h Thomas ahead of this weekend's rookie minicamp. https://t.co/M1AqScrNSZ

— Antwan V. Staley (@antwanstaley) May 8, 2025

While all of this was going down, we were talking with CBS draft analyst Emory Hunt to share his thoughts on Gang Green’s draft class and undrafted free agents and here’s what he had to say.

While Jets fans seem to range anywhere from miserable to optimistic over the team’s most recent draft class, we thought it would be worth looking at the team’s draft classes over the past several years.  Not the top picks in those classes, but its day 3 choices and whether or not any of the lesser-known players have a real shot to stick in 2025.

2022:

OT Max Mitchell (Rd. 4, 111 overall):

Mitchell created a little bit of buzz with a handful of admirable performances as a rookie, but was largely overrated by much of the fan base.  He has appeared in 24 games (9 starts) since then and has been bad far more often than he’s been good.  It’s hard to imagine Mitchell making this roster again but might have a better chance if the team kicks him inside to get a look at what he can do at guard.

DL Michael Clemons (Rd. 4, 117 overall):

Clemons has drawn the ire of countless Jets fans after countless mental errors while playing the edge in recent years.  Many have asked why he’s still on the roster and it’s only May.  Like Mitchell, Clemons’ best shot to make the roster should be with a move inside where the Jets need help against the run.  If Aaron Glenn and company don’t believe he can get it done, he’s likely gone by week 1.

2023: 

TE Zack Kuntz (Rd. 7, 220 overall):

You can’t discuss Kuntz without using the term “athletic freak” after posting a perfect 10/10 on his pre-draft relative athletic score.

Zack Kuntz is a TE prospect in the 2023 draft class. He scored a 10.00 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 1 out of 1020 TE from 1987 to 2023. https://t.co/mpZ9CLNDkc #RAS pic.twitter.com/npOjG7HQZW

— RAS.football (@MathBomb) March 5, 2023

He was always a project out of Old Dominion and up to this point has yet to appear in an NFL game.  But given his athletic prowess and elite catch radius at 6′ 8”, you’d have to imagine he’ll get a good look from the new staff with a chance to hang around.

CB Jarrick Bernard-Converse (Rd. 6, pick 204):

Bernard-Converse was arguably the most improved player on the roster during the pre-season last year and looked ready to assume a bigger role.  That didn’t transpire though as he played just six snaps on defense.  If he continues to improve while playing under a former corner in Aaron Glenn, we really like his odds.

LB Zaire Barnes (Rd 6, 184 overall):

With the selection of linebacker Francisco Mauigoa in this year’s class and re-signing Jamin Davis, Barnes may get squeezed out given the fact he has yet to play a snap on defense through two seasons.

OT Carter Warren (Rd. 4 pick 120):

Warren has started just six games through two seasons and it’s been a rough go of it.  He has the potential to be a swing tackle as a guy who has played both spots on the line but he’s going to have to anchor much better.  If not, he’ll be gone.

2024:

CB Qwan’tez Stiggers (Rd. 5, 176)

Drafted just a year ago, the inexperienced but impressive CFL product may see his development accelerated under Glenn and company.  With no ties to him the new front office may be happy to move on from Stiggers, but the smart play here would be to work with the corner in hopes of becoming a regular contributor.

RB Isaiah Davis (Rd. 5, 173):

Davis showed flashes of being a capable back as a rookie when he ran the ball 30 times for 174 yards.  Aaron Glenn has spoken out about how happy he is with the team’s current crop of backs, but expect him to be challenged by undrafted free agent Donovan Edwards.

A grossly underrated aspect of @nyjets UDFA RB Donovan Edwards' game is his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield.

Was rarely asked to for Michigan, but when given the chance showed he can be a factor.

Still hared to believe he went undrafted. pic.twitter.com/uZyr4unKZ4

— Glenn Naughton (@JNRadio_Glenn) May 8, 2025

Every year we like to sit around and dissect not only the Jets draft class, but the undrafted free agents that they add in the days that follow.  One thing that emerged this year was a clear attempt by the Jets to add players whose versatility could add value.

As we discussed on this episode of JetNation Radio, by adding linebackers Jared Bartlett and Aaron Smith along with defensive backs Jordan and Dean Clark (no relation), versatility was a priority for Gang Green.

Dean Clark, the Fresno State defender is probably the most versatile of the group.  During his final collegiate season, he played 410 snaps at free safety, 264 snaps in the box and another 105 snaps in the slot according to PFF.com.

Fresno State safety Dean Clark has impressive athletic traits and plays with his hair on fire. Has a chance to make a @nyjets roster with little proven talent at safety.

Should also be a factor on special teams. pic.twitter.com/wFlnIn7YJK

— Glenn Naughton (@JNRadio_Glenn) April 27, 2025

While not as versatile as Dean Clark, Jordan Clark has been a very good slot corner who also has safety versatility which could bode well for him as the Jets lack proven players at the safety position.

Moving on to the front seven, Bartlett and Smith also offer quite a bit in terms of being able to fill multiple roles.  This is especially the case for Bartlett who has played a great deal at both edge and inside linebacker.

@GoBearcatsFB LB Jared Bartlett landed with the @nyjets as an UDFA and one thing that pops on film is how well he closes. Once he's locked on a target, he gets there in a hurry.

He's yet another versatile piece on defense who has played LB and edge. pic.twitter.com/3lbJK09HVJ

— Glenn Naughton (@JNRadio_Glenn) May 5, 2025

Meanwhile, Smith is listed exclusively as a linebacker, but his coverage skills tell us he may be capable of more than a traditional “in the box” type.  Last season at South Carolina State, Smith was used to line up as a slot defender in coverage 87 times.  An impressive task for a 6′ 2” 218 pounder.  With this being the case, it should come as no surprise that Smith is described as a linebacker who can line up with and cover tight ends and running backs in the 2025 Football Game Plan Draft Guide.

It will be quite some time before we know if these or any other undrafted free agents make the Jets roster, we do know that the team was sure to give themselves a chance to get a look at some depth pieces who may provide value in a variety of roles.

Jets rookie general manager Darren Mougey has now had a full free agency period and NFL draft to help turn around the 5-12 New York Jets.

While we’ll have to wait until the games are actually played to find out if the team is better or worse, there are a few spots where the answer is quite obvious, and another spot or two where there is some debate.

First and foremost, there’s the quarterback position where there is an interesting discussion to be had.

I mean, is Aaron Rodgers a better passer than Justin Fields?  Especially as Rodgers looked better as the season went on?  Safe to say he is.  But it’s not that simple.

If head coach Aaron Glenn’s wish was to deploy an offense in which the quarterback is a dynamic runner that has to be accounted for, the Fields is clearly the better fit.

Having drafted Armand Membou to get a fifth starter in place, there is a world in which the Jets offense in 2025 will be more efficient than it was in 2024.  It will be due largely to running the football, where Fields excels.  So while Rodgers is the better passer, Fields may be a better fit.  Overall we think it’s fair to call this a slight downgrade at QB.  However, it’s not nearly as bad as it looks on the surface.

The position where the Jets may have done the most work this offseason is defensive tackle.  That’s not to say they did much upgrading.  Why is ,that?  Well, last year’s group was so bad that by adding this year’s crop, they’ve probably stayed about the same.  With a pair of undersized linebackers in Quincy Williams and Jamien Sherwood, stopping the run will be a challenge this year.  Well, unless of course they find a big run stuffer or two between now and September.

Wide receiver is a spot where one of the biggest downgrades took place.  And while it was largely beyond the control of Mougey, the team could have done more to address it.

Davante Adams was a top target for Aaron Rodgers last season but the team knew he wasn’t going to hang around once they dumped the future Hall of Famer in Rodgers.  In response to losing Adams, the Jets added journeyman receiver Josh Reynolds, whose career high in receiving yards came back in 2020 when he logged 618 yards.

Many expected the Jets to take a wide receiver with one of their top picks, but instead they waited until round four to select Georgia speedster Arian Smith; a wideout with a lengthy injury history who had a whopping TEN drops last year.  Projected to go in round seven or undrafted entirely, Smith goes to the Jets with pick 110.  This makes it hard to say with a straight face that the Jets got better at receiver.

Of all the downgrades we’ve seen this offseason, none is more obvious than that of cornerback DJ Reed.  One of the NFL’s better corners since landing with the Jets a few years back, Reed is now replaced by former Baltimore Ravens safety/corner Brandon Stephens.  Last season with the Ravens, opposing quarterbacks targeted Stephens 102 times and 108 times in 2023.  Over those two seasons he surrendered a over 1,700 yards according to PFF.

Former @nyjets CB DJ Reed vs new Jets cornerback Brandon Stephens over past two seasons:

Stephens:

Tgt: 224
Rec: 147
Pct: 66
Yds: 1,740
TD: 7

Reed:

Tgt: 130
Rec: 78
Pct: 60
Yds: 906
TD: 4

— Glenn Naughton (@JNRadio_Glenn) April 30, 2025

Now this one might ruffle some feathers, but take it in the spirit it’s intended.

Jets fans are largely excited about the arrival of rookie tight end Mason Taylor, who the team hopes will be their first legitimate receiving threat at the position since Justin Keller.  However, rookie tight ends (unless you’re name Brock Bowers), tend to start slow.  So as Taylor learns his way around the NFL, expect some hiccups along the way.  Hiccups that will mean that rookie Taylor is a downgrade from veteran Tyler Conklin.

This isn’t to say that when all is said and done Taylor won’t be better than Conklin, as many expect he will.  But in 2025?  Conklin should be the better player.  Especially in considering the fact that Conklin didn’t see nearly as many targets as he should have in 2024.

So while there are some upgrades such as what we hope will be a full season of Olu Fashanu at left tackle and Armand Membou likely outperforming last year’s tackles, there are a few too many downgrades to expect a big jump in wins this season.

That is of course, unless Aaron Glenn and his staff turn out to be light years ahead of last year’s staff, which could…or should, be the case.

When Emory Hunt of CBS Sports and Football Game Plan sat down to talk to JetNation Radio, our NY Jets Podcast, about the upcoming draft, one of the first players to come up was Arizona wide receiver Tet McMillan.  Viewed by many as a potential target for Gang Green with the seventh pick, some fans were turned off by the idea.

Why, you ask?

A recent video surfaced of McMillan speaking off-the-cuff, saying that he doesn’t like watching football and doesn’t care to watch film on his own.  The comments themselves are concerning, but according to Hunt, there’s something that should wipe those concerns away.  His film.

In watching 2024 Justin Fields, you see how reliant the new @nyjets QB was on George Pickens' incredible hands to pull in slightly off-target throws.

Yes, Garrett Wilson will be saturated w/targets this year, but adding Tetairoa McMillan and his catch radius would be huge. pic.twitter.com/e9nBR3VOSD

— Glenn Naughton (@JNRadio_Glenn) April 3, 2025

McMillan, a 6′ 4” receiver with an elite wing span, was among the best receivers in the country this season.  His ability to make defenders miss made him one of the best yards-after-catch receivers in this class.  Eluding defenders to pick up chunks of yards after the catch isn’t generally something you see from a player who lacks work ethic, as pointed out by Hunt.

Hunt would also go on to say that with the seventh pick, the Jets should be looking to add a playmaker to help quarterback Justin Fields.  An idea that falls in line with what we’ve heard from the Jets regarding Fields.  He has been failed by previous teams, but the Jets want to build around him and let him play.

For that and all of the comments from the interview, click the video above.

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The Jets made some waves this week by adding former Minnesota Vikings GM Rick Spielman to their front office to serve as an advisor to GM Darren Mougey so we break that down along with some key observations from the Senior Bowl in Mobile.

Spielman may well be the most accomplished executive to join the team since Bill Parcells took over as head coach and de facto GM back in the late 90’s.