Jets preseason shows Darren Mougey may have already whiffed on NFL Draft trade

New York Jets GM Darren Mougey was heralded for his work in the 2025 NFL Draft. First-round RT Armand Membou has had some highlight reps in an up-and-down start, second-round TE Mason Taylor will be an instant starter, and New York's two fourth-rounders in WR Arian Smith and S Malachi Moore have both flashed in the preseason.

Mougey ended this draft by using two fifth-round picks on players from Miami in linebacker Francisco Mauigoa and defensive end Tyler Baron. Mougey traded up to acquire Baron, a sign that the Jets were very interested in the former Tennessee transfer's potential.

After the preseason came to a close in a tight loss against the Philadelphia Eagles, there are some serious questions about Baron when it comes to making the final 53-man roster. Baron only saw time against backups buried deep on the depth chart, and he was really struggling to get home consistently.

While Mauigoa hasn't covered himself in glory during this preseason, it seems as though he will stick around in a backup role. Baron, on the other hand, had a chance to be a part of New York's pass rush rotation, and he appears to have blown it.

Jets GM Darren Mougey may have made a mistake drafting Tyler Baron

Baron recorded 5.5 sacks last season, though three of them came against FCS school Florida A&M. While his pressure rate was high enough to give the Jets hope that he could develop into a solid edge rusher, Baron appears to look sluggish and lacking in refined pass rush moves.

Baron may end up making the Jets' roster, but that will be the result of both laughably shallow edge depth and his status as a fifth-round pick. Based purely on merit and what fans have seen from him, Baron may not make the final cut for Aaron Glenn and defensive coordinator Steve Wilks.

Behind starters Will McDonald and Jermaine Johnson, only Micheal Clemons seems to be guaranteed a roster spot. Braiden McGregor was one of the worst performers on the Jets roster last year, and his preseason play hasn't set the world on fire, but he has been better than Baron.

It would take quite the bold mindset for Mougey and Glenn to admit they already made a mistake with Baron just a few months after giving up picks for the chance to acquire him, but his preseason struggles are putting this team in a very precarious position.

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