I recently wrote why FSU has the best claim to the "DBU" moniker among all college football teams, and it looks like the most recent product will add to that evidence.
Former top 100 recruit and four-star defensive back Azarehe'h (AZ) Thomas probably didn't get the recognition he deserved while at FSU. He played a reserve role behind two future NFL Draft picks before starting his junior season on the worst FSU football team in our lifetimes.
NFL scouts probably didn't watch as much FSU as usual because of last season, but the NY Jets got a steal when they drafted Thomas with the No. 73 overall pick (third round) in the 2025 NFL Draft.
He joins former Nole Jermaine Johnson on the roster and hasn't wasted any time making his presence felt in early training camp.
AZ makin' it look EZ pic.twitter.com/zsVQDH9gNC
— New York Jets (@nyjets) July 26, 2025
The biggest weakness for Thomas is his lack of elite speed, but he makes up for that with his size, length, and physicality. He has the measurables and technique to play in the NFL for a long time, and probably should have been drafted in the first or second round. He is nearly the same size and length as the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Patrick Surtain II. He's not quite as twitchy or explosive, but should do well against most of the large receivers in the NFL.
The Jets run a defensive scheme similar to what Thomas played in at FSU, and head coach Aaron Glenn values what he saw on tape more than what players do at the NFL Combine. Thomas joins a long list of active FSU defensive backs in the NFL and has the talent to build to play in the league for a long time.