It didn’t take long for the New York Jets to rethink their plan at cornerback. Less than two months after handing former Baltimore Ravens defensive back Brandon Stephens a three-year, $36 million deal, the Jets used the 73rd overall pick to select Florida State cornerback Azareye’h Thomas in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Stephens signed with the Jets after a rocky 2024 season in Baltimore, where he struggled in coverage and allowed a 107.4 passer rating when targeted. While his size and physicality made him an attractive free agent, the Ravens clearly felt comfortable moving on—and now the Jets’ own draft decisions suggest they’re hedging their bets too.
The pick of Thomas won’t be spun as a knock on Stephens publicly, but it’s hard to miss the optics. After paying for a veteran starter, the Jets still felt the need to go get another potential starter early on Day 2.
Azareye’h Thomas gives the Jets a built-in insurance plan
Thomas isn’t a finished product, but his physical tools are exactly what teams look for in a boundary corner. At 6-foot-2 and nearly 200 pounds, he brings size, length, and aggression at the catch point. He’s a strong fit for a press-heavy system and plays with the kind of physicality the Jets’ coaching staff values.
He’s also dealt with some inconsistencies—particularly with his press technique and ability to recover when beaten off the line. But the upside is obvious, and it’s clear the Jets didn’t feel entirely secure entering 2025 with Stephens alone opposite Sauce Gardner.
Stephens was a solid player in Baltimore, but he struggled with consistency against better receivers and finished last season ranked outside the top 170 corners in coverage grade according to Pro Football Focus. The Ravens let him walk without much of a fight, trusting their young defensive backs to take over. With D.J. Reed gone, Gang Green was clearly looking for an instant contributor opposite Gardner... perhaps they're already not buying it'll be Stephens.
Now, the Jets are quietly setting up a competition under new defensive-minded head coach, Aaron Glenn. New York didn't draft Thomas with a Day 2 pick to sit for long. If Stephens struggles early, don’t be surprised if the rookie starts pushing for reps.
The Ravens trusted their gut—and based on how the Jets are drafting, they might have had it right all along.