Historic Rookie Impact: How the New York Jets' Youth Movement is Shaping the 2025 NFL Season

Perfect Attendance: A Franchise First

It's too early to label the 2025 draft class as a success or failure, but it's already unique in one respect: all seven draft picks played in the season opener, a franchise first since the seven-round draft era began in 1994. Right tackle Armand Membou (64 snaps) and tight end Mason Taylor (56 snaps) led the way in front-line roles, which was hardly a surprise. The rest of the class contributed mainly on special teams, although wide receiver Arian Smith, safety Malachi Moore, linebacker Kiko Mauigoa, and defensive end Tyler Baron did see action on a handful of plays from scrimmage. The only one to play exclusively on special teams was cornerback Azareye'h Thomas.

Rookie Performance Highlights

Membou garnered praise for his debut—no sacks allowed, one quarterback pressure, and no penalties. He was particularly happy with his performance against T.J. Watt, the Pittsburgh Steelers' star edge rusher. "I think I played pretty solid," said Membou, drafted seventh. "I had good run blocking. When I had my one-on-ones with [Watt], I was able to win them." Membou apparently overcame a serious case of pregame jitters, according to quarterback Justin Fields, who said he and linebacker Quincy Williams were able to calm the rookie's nerves on the eve of the game.

Accountability and New Realities

Even though coach Aaron Glenn said he wasn't trying to send a message, the decision to release wide receiver/returner Xavier Gipson after a costly fumble certainly showed that he's trying to raise the accountability level. This was an issue in 2024, according to one player, who remarked at the end of last season: "Accountability was definitely the weak point of our team." The player said there was a "lack of consequences" for those who messed up. Glenn is changing that.

Life After Gipson

Without Gipson, the Jets must break in a new punt returner and kickoff returner. On Sunday, they face the Buffalo Bills, who acquired their return specialist from the Jets. Remember Brandon Codrington? He was terrific in the 2024 preseason for the Jets, but they traded him to the Bills because they didn't think he was better than Gipson. Now Codrington is one of the best returners in the NFL.

Poetry in Motion: Offensive Strategy

First-time offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand is hoping to build off an impressive debut: 32 points and 394 total yards. Jets OCs aren't accustomed to putting up those kinds of numbers in any game, let alone the first one. The last one to reach 30 points and 300 yards in his Jets debut was Chan Gailey in 2015 (31 points, 333 yards). That was four coordinators ago. Tony Sparano's first game in 2012 was a smashing success (48 points, 384 yards), but things went south, and the Jets finished 28th in scoring that season.

Big Bang is Back

Engstrand said the goal is at least eight "explosive" plays per game, defined as a pass play of 16 or more yards and a run play of 12 or more yards. The team recorded 11 last week, the Jets' most in a game since 2021.

Getting Comfy: Defensive Adjustments

Recently acquired defensive tackle Harrison Phillips is receiving rave reviews from teammates and coaches, but he said he's still adjusting to the Jets' style of defense. Their scheme, he said, is "attack-react." On his previous team, the Minnesota Vikings, it was "react-attack." That may not seem like much of a difference, but it's an entirely different approach coming off the ball. Phillips said he felt "a little rusty" last week, but he expects to get more comfortable as he logs more reps.

The Last Word

Safety Tony Adams summed it up best: "It's time to win the division. It's time for things to change. That's what [Glenn] always preaches: It's time for things to change."