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The first Florida State player was off the board. On Friday, cornerback Azareye'h Thomas was selected by the New York Jets in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Who called his name? Former Florida State and Jets receiver Laveranues Coles. Thomas is the first defensive player the Jets picked. In the first round, the Jets selected Missouri right tackle Armand Membou and then picked LSU tight end Mason Taylor in the second round.
The 6-foot-1, 197-pound corner played all three years for the Seminoles, but became a full-time starter last season. Despite the Seminoles going 2-10, Thomas was one of the brighter spots on the Seminoles' defense. He was the second-leading tackler with 52. He also had two tackles-for-loss, four pass breakups and an interception. He was named All-ACC Honorable Mention.
In his career, he recorded 95 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 15 pass breakups, two interceptions, and a forced fumble. Thomas will play for first-year head coach Aaron Glenn, a former NFL cornerback and the Detroit Lions' defensive coordinator.
"Just looking at the player and seeing how they play on the field, that's more enticing to me than watching a guy run in underwear at the combine," Glenn said about Thomas in his press conference.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
Thomas's combination of size, shutdown coverage, and skills stands out for the Niceville, Florida native. That's enough for Thomas to be compared to former FSU All-American and current Miami Dolphins DB Jalen Ramsey.
After getting drafted, ESPN's NFL analyst Louis Riddick compared both former Seminoles because of their measurables. Ramsey was 6-foot-1, 209 when he was picked by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2016. Thomas was listed at 6-foot-1, 197 pounds at the NFL scouting combine.
Being compared to Ramsey doesn't come as much of a surprise for Thomas because he would study the three-time All-Pro DB's game.
"I wouldn't say model, but someone I can learn from and see what's he is good at and see what type of tools that I could add to my toolbox. So it definitely be Jalen Ramsey," Thomas told NFL Network.
"Just his length and his swagger, his confidence, and how the opposing teams may not even know that he is on the field, just looking at him physically, but they can fill him out there. So that's just one guy I pride myself in watching as well."
More: FSU football players picked in 2025 NFL draft: Azareye'h Thomas selected by New York Jets
Thomas will not be the only former Seminole on the roster. In the last five years, the Jets have built a small pipeline of drafting former FSU players.
Thomas will be playing with former FSU defensive end Jermaine Johnson. After the pick, Johnson Tweeted "Go Noles" on his X page.
While Thomas didn't play with Johnson, he told the local media that both connected last year, developing a close relationship with one another while Johnson was battling a torn Achilles last season.
"It's crazy because before I didn't speak to him as much, but this past year, me and him, even like on the phone or when I see him in person, we just spoke deeply on life like how he was going through his injury and I think he is getting back to 100 percent now," Thomas said.
"Just speaking to him and how wise he is, we've gotten closer over the past year. Everything happens for a reason, and I'm here now. "
Thomas will also be reuniting with former FSU teammate and quarterback Jordan Travis, who was drafted by the Jets last year and wide receiver Pokey Wilson. The Jets also added three-time Super Bowl Champion Derek Nnadi.
More: New York Jets pick CB Azareye'h Thomas in Round 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft. Everything you need to know
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Could FSU football's Azareye'h Thomas be next Jalen Ramsey with Jets?
Continue reading...
Who called his name? Former Florida State and Jets receiver Laveranues Coles. Thomas is the first defensive player the Jets picked. In the first round, the Jets selected Missouri right tackle Armand Membou and then picked LSU tight end Mason Taylor in the second round.
The 6-foot-1, 197-pound corner played all three years for the Seminoles, but became a full-time starter last season. Despite the Seminoles going 2-10, Thomas was one of the brighter spots on the Seminoles' defense. He was the second-leading tackler with 52. He also had two tackles-for-loss, four pass breakups and an interception. He was named All-ACC Honorable Mention.
In his career, he recorded 95 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 15 pass breakups, two interceptions, and a forced fumble. Thomas will play for first-year head coach Aaron Glenn, a former NFL cornerback and the Detroit Lions' defensive coordinator.
"Just looking at the player and seeing how they play on the field, that's more enticing to me than watching a guy run in underwear at the combine," Glenn said about Thomas in his press conference.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
Azareye'h Thomas emulates game of former FSU great
Thomas's combination of size, shutdown coverage, and skills stands out for the Niceville, Florida native. That's enough for Thomas to be compared to former FSU All-American and current Miami Dolphins DB Jalen Ramsey.
After getting drafted, ESPN's NFL analyst Louis Riddick compared both former Seminoles because of their measurables. Ramsey was 6-foot-1, 209 when he was picked by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2016. Thomas was listed at 6-foot-1, 197 pounds at the NFL scouting combine.
Being compared to Ramsey doesn't come as much of a surprise for Thomas because he would study the three-time All-Pro DB's game.
"I wouldn't say model, but someone I can learn from and see what's he is good at and see what type of tools that I could add to my toolbox. So it definitely be Jalen Ramsey," Thomas told NFL Network.
"Just his length and his swagger, his confidence, and how the opposing teams may not even know that he is on the field, just looking at him physically, but they can fill him out there. So that's just one guy I pride myself in watching as well."
More: FSU football players picked in 2025 NFL draft: Azareye'h Thomas selected by New York Jets
New York Jets add another FSU player. Azareye'h Thomas connects with Jermaine Johnson
Thomas will not be the only former Seminole on the roster. In the last five years, the Jets have built a small pipeline of drafting former FSU players.
Thomas will be playing with former FSU defensive end Jermaine Johnson. After the pick, Johnson Tweeted "Go Noles" on his X page.
While Thomas didn't play with Johnson, he told the local media that both connected last year, developing a close relationship with one another while Johnson was battling a torn Achilles last season.
"It's crazy because before I didn't speak to him as much, but this past year, me and him, even like on the phone or when I see him in person, we just spoke deeply on life like how he was going through his injury and I think he is getting back to 100 percent now," Thomas said.
"Just speaking to him and how wise he is, we've gotten closer over the past year. Everything happens for a reason, and I'm here now. "
Thomas will also be reuniting with former FSU teammate and quarterback Jordan Travis, who was drafted by the Jets last year and wide receiver Pokey Wilson. The Jets also added three-time Super Bowl Champion Derek Nnadi.
More: New York Jets pick CB Azareye'h Thomas in Round 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft. Everything you need to know
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Could FSU football's Azareye'h Thomas be next Jalen Ramsey with Jets?
Continue reading...
