Mougey ‘Feels Good’ About His Roster Heading Into the Draft
On the eve of his first NFL Draft as general manager of the New York Jets, Darren Mougey has a clear vision for what he’ll be looking for over the three-day event.
“I believe there’s a type of brand we want our players to embody,” Mougey told reporters at the Jets’ pre-draft news conference Monday. “It’s a physicality, it’s a toughness — you’re going to feel it. But we also want smart, tough, aggressive, resilient players.”
The Jets currently hold eight picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, beginning with the No. 7 overall selection in Round 1. Mougey will also pick twice on Friday night — No. 42 in Round 2 and No. 73 in Round 3 — and holds five selections on Day 3: one in Round 4 (No. 110) and two each in Rounds 5 (Nos. 145, 162) and 6 (Nos. 186, 207).
“I feel good about where this roster is at right now in April,” Mougey said. “And I feel good about going into the draft and adding some good players that can help us win. After the draft, it doesn’t stop — we’ll continue to scour street free agents, alternative leagues, and explore trades. It never ends. But I’m excited about where we are and confident we’ll add players who fit our vision.”
If the Jets stay put at No. 7, many draft analysts project they could target a top offensive tackle, a tight end, or a defensive tackle. If LSU’s Will Campbell is selected earlier, tackles such as Armand Membou (Missouri) and Kelvin Banks (Texas) could be options. Tight ends Tyler Warren (Penn State) and Colston Loveland (Michigan) are also possible top-half first-round picks. Defensive tackle Mason Graham (Michigan) might still be available at No. 7, adding to a strong DT class.
When asked about balancing roster needs versus selecting the best player available, Mougey stressed sticking to the team’s draft board.
“That’s an age-old question,” he said. “We’re going to stack the board by how we view the players and let it fall to us. We want to add good football players who can help us win.”
Draft history shows that offensive tackles have been a frequent top-7 pick: since 2000, 16 tackles have gone in the top seven, compared to nine tight ends and defensive tackles combined. The Jets’ last top-7 tackle selection was D’Brickashaw Ferguson (No. 4, 2006), while Dewayne Robertson (No. 4, 2003) and Quinnen Williams (No. 3, 2019) were recent DT picks.
Mougey, holding his draft strategy close to the vest, praised the tight end class.
“I think it’s a good group,” he said. “There are definitely players who can help.”
Mougey’s NFL journey has been one of steady ascension. Beginning as a scouting intern with the Broncos in 2012, he rose through Denver’s ranks to assistant general manager by 2022. He joined the Jets this offseason, paired with new head coach Aaron Glenn.
“I’m sure there will be some nerves,” Mougey admitted about his first draft as a GM. “It’s a different feeling making decisions instead of just giving suggestions. But I feel really good about the preparation and the group around me. We’re detailed, we’ve built the board carefully, and we’re ready to work through different scenarios. I feel confident going into Thursday night.”
Jetcetera
In February, Mougey added experience to his front office, hiring Rick Spielman as senior football adviser and Robbie Paton as co-director of player personnel. Spielman, a former Minnesota Vikings GM (2012–21), helped the Jets during their searches that led to the hirings of Mougey and Glenn.
“Fortunate to have Rick on staff,” Mougey said. “He had other options, and I had to recruit him pretty hard. He’s been awesome — involved through every step of this draft process.”
Paton, who worked alongside Mougey in Denver, spent the 2023-24 season as a Broncos national scout.
“Robbie’s another familiar face, someone who understands my process and can help translate that,” Mougey said. “He’s been a great addition.”
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