Everything you need to know about NY Jets rookie CB Azareye'h Thomas

The Jets entered the 2025 draft with multiple vacancies needing to be filled. In each of the first three rounds, they addressed these vacancies. One of the roster's gaps was at cornerback, behind superstar Sauce Gardner and newly signed veteran Brandon Stephens. In terms of reliable options, they only went two deep.

All they had behind Gardner and Stephens were the unproven Qwan’tez Stiggers and Jarrick Bernard-Converse, as well as Kris Boyd, who has started in just one game in six years of play. Needless to say, they needed depth.

With the 73rd pick in the draft, they got some by selecting Azareye’h Thomas out of Florida State. He should slot in seamlessly at CB3 and should have every opportunity to take snaps from Brandon Stephens, who isn’t exactly the second coming of Darrelle Revis.

With the prospect of seeing him regularly on Sundays come September, we cover everything you need to know about the young defensive back.

Brother of a pro

Thomas does not enter the NFL as a complete novice to the concept of professional football. He has close ties to the league, with his older brother Juanyeh already a two-year veteran safety for the Cowboys.

Juanyeh, who graduated from Georgia Tech, is not the only member of the Thomas family with an athletic profile. The eldest brother, Azende, also played high-level college football at Texas A&M. Clearly, football runs deep in Azareye’h’s blood.

The young, budding cornerback played both ways and was a four-year varsity player for Niceville High School before receiving offers from Michigan, Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, Miami, and LSU, to name a few.

College success, rave Reviews & speed questions

Ultimately, Thomas decided to sign with the Florida State Seminoles, where he would play for three seasons and start in his last one.

In that final season with the Seminoles, Thomas allowed only 17 receptions, with 52 total tackles and 5 passes defended. While his team struggled mightily, finishing the season 2-10, Thomas certainly didn’t.

He proved that he was a high-level pro prospect once again during Senior Bowl Practices. On “The McShay Show” in January, The Ringer's NFL Draft expert Todd McShay indicated that Thomas could even be a first-round pick based on his performance.

"I think he's got a chance to be a Top 25 pick. I already had him in the first round. I had a first-round grade on him coming into this week, but it confirmed, like I'm seeing it with my own two eyes like he's the best player on the playground. You know, he's the best athlete on the court. You can always tell who's the guy and he was the guy on the perimeter today."

Todd McShay

One of the few question marks surrounding Thomas is regarding his agility. At his pro day, he finished the 40-yard dash between 4.57 and 4.59, which is low for a starting-level NFL cornerback. But Aaron Glenn is unconcerned, opting to evaluate his game speed as opposed to “watching a guy run in underwear at the combine.”

That should tell you all you need to know about what the Jets think.

He plays "the brand" the Jets want

Of course, every team wants good players. And the Jets certainly hope they found one in their new cornerback. But more so than his potential ability, the style with which he plays is what attracted the Jets to him.

With a 6’2, 195-pound frame, Thomas is a big cornerback. He adds to that by playing physically as well. When discussing his play style, he said, “I’m physical… I’m going to smother you.”

Glenn Echoed that sentiment when he was asked about the former Florida State DB. 

"Football is football and he [Thomas] plays the brand that we want to play. He's a big, physical man and I'm looking forward to him getting up here and being able to take what he did at Florida State and bring that to us because that's how we play."

NY Jets head coach, Aaron Glenn

General Manager Darren Mougey touched on his soft skills as well, noting that  “the people down there that have been around him raved about AZ's character, his makeup, his football makeup, his toughness, and his leadership.”

Mougey and Glenn have made a point to emphasize a complete overhaul in culture during their first couple of months on the job. This pick is yet another representation of where they want that culture to go.

Where he fits moving forward

Thomas joins the Jets in a great spot. He will not have the pressure to start right away, given that the Jets just handed a contract to former Baltimore Raven Brandon Stephens. 

But he should have a chance to get serious reps, as no one else on the depth chart poses much of a threat. And if he plays well, he could very likely supplant Stephens in the starting role.

His advantageous position should allow him time to grow, while also providing tons of opportunity to make an impact on day one. 

Being that he will be working closely with arguably the greatest cornerback in the world, Sauce Gardner, as well as former defensive back and highly respected defensive mind, Aaron Glenn, he has some pretty qualified teachers to learn from. Expect to hear his name a lot this year.