New York Jets select Azareye'h Thomas in third round of 2025 NFL Draft

The New York Jets have selected former Florida State cornerback Azareye’h Thomas with the No. 73 overall pick in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft. He spent three seasons at FSU.

In the 2024 campaign, Thomas started all 12 of the Seminoles’ games at cornerback. He finished the season with a career-high 53 tackles, four pass breakups and one interception. For his efforts, he was named an All-ACC Honorable Mention and the Bobby Bowden Leadership Award winner.

In his three seasons at Florida State, Thomas amassed 37 appearances and 13 starts. He tallied 96 total tackles, 15 passes defended and two interceptions in his collegiate career. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. listed Thomas as the No. 5 cornerback in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Azareye’h Thomas played high school football at Niceville (FL), where he was a four-star prospect. He was the No. 92 overall player and No. 9 safety in the 2022 recruiting cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Thomas impressed scouts at the NFL combine in February. After the event, he expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to show off his talents.

“It was a blessing, man,” Thomas said. “Something I dreamed of since I was a kid. Sitting there watching it with my brother, getting motivated. … It was a blessing, to say the least. So I’m just thankful and honored that I got the opportunity to go there.”

What NFL Draft analysts are saying about Azareye’h Thomas

While scouts don’t expect Thomas to be an immediate star in the NFL, they’re confident he can eventually carve out a role at the next level. Ahead of the draft, NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein provided an in-depth analysis of Thomas’ game.

“Press-man cornerback with average speed but excellent length to disrupt game flow for opponents,” Zierlein wrote. “Thomas deters early looks his way from quarterbacks by jabbing, crowding and smothering the release from press. He lacks route recognition and lateral twitch to stay tight to breaks from off-man. He also needs to develop his instincts and trust his eyes from zone coverage. He has average top-end speed but competes to shrink the receiver’s downfield catch odds using his length and ball skills.

“He’s more likely to spoil a catch than make a play on the football that results in a turnover, but that could change with more experience. He’s below average in run support, although he improved in that area in 2024. Thomas needs more seasoning, but he could become a good starter within two or three years.”