Jets' most important second-year player may not even see the field in 2026

The New York Jets have several important second-year players, considering how large their 2025 NFL Draft class was.

Seven players joined the Jets last April, none more talented than right tackle Armand Membou, who had a great rookie season in New York.

Outside of him and tight end Mason Taylor, though, there weren't many other notable rookies who stood out from the rest. It wasn't the greatest reflection on Darren Mougey for his first-ever draft class.

Regardless, Bleacher Report's Brad Gagnon believes the Jets' third-round pick in last year's draft, and most important second-year player, is cornerback Azareye'h Thomas, despite his odds of being a reserve player in 2026 being fairly high.

Will Azareye'h Thomas even start for the Jets in 2026?

Thomas, despite being a former Day 2 draft pick, isn't guaranteed to be starting for the Jets opposite Brandon Stephens in 2026.

"That first-round Armand Membou selection is on the right track, and there's limited pressure on second-rounder Mason Taylor now that they've drafted Omar Cooper Jr. and Kenyon Sadiq. But Thomas should be in the mix for a starting job after making minimal impact as a fairly raw rookie third-round pick. In the quest to fill Sauce Gardner's shoes, it would be big for the Jets if this pick were to ultimately hit."

Brad Gagnon

It always kinda felt like Thomas was selected as a possible future Sauce Gardner replacement. They share similar skillsets and are longer, rangier cornerbacks.

After Gardner was traded last year, Thomas stepped in and started five games for New York. In 12 total appearances, the Florida State product broke up seven passes and made 22 tackles.

Unfortunately, a season-ending shoulder injury cost the rookie the remainder of the season. Had it not been for that injury, it's possible the Jets would've felt comfortable going into the season with him as a potential starter.

Instead, New York went out and signed cornerback Nahshon Wright in free agency, and the latest reports indicate that he's been running with the first-team defense during OTAs and minicamp.

The Jets' starting cornerback tandem may end up being Stephens and Wright, with Thomas in a reserve role.

If that's the case, the Jets' 2025 third-round draft pick won't be as important as Gagnon anticipates. awdada

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