The New York Jets have signed defensive lineman Tyler Baron, their final pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, selecting him in the fifth round with the 176th overall pick. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 258 pounds, Baron brings a blend of size, athleticism, and collegiate experience that the Jets hope to harness as they continue shaping their defensive identity under head coach Aaron Glenn.
Baron capped off a five-year college career with one season at the University of Miami in 2024, where he quickly made his presence felt on the defensive front. As a one-year starter for the Hurricanes, he led the team with 5.5 sacks and 11 tackles for loss, showcasing an aggressive edge and pass-rush instincts that caught the attention of NFL scouts. Prior to transferring to Miami, Baron spent four seasons at the University of Tennessee, where he built a strong foundation with 101 total tackles, 13.5 sacks, and 27 tackles for loss. Over his entire collegiate career—spanning 61 games with 28 starts—Baron accumulated 139 tackles, 38 tackles for loss, 19 sacks, two forced fumbles, and four pass defenses.
Jets head coach Aaron Glenn expressed enthusiasm about the potential Baron brings to the defensive line, particularly his ability to pressure quarterbacks. “If you watch him on tape, he actually showed really good pass rush ability,” Glenn said. “So now it’s just nudging him a little bit more to get him over that hump to be a really good player for us, and we expect our player to do that for us.” Glenn, a former NFL defensive back and now a defensive-minded head coach, has a clear vision for how Baron can evolve within the system—focusing on technique, consistency, and maximizing physical tools.
Born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, Baron is the youngest of three boys and has been immersed in football since the age of five. His passion for the game runs in the family. His father, Patrick Abernathy, played college football at Tennessee State, where he was a teammate of Hall of Fame defensive end Richard Dent. Abernathy later transitioned into coaching and mentoring, working with All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey during his high school career at Brentwood Academy. He eventually joined the University of Tennessee as the director of player development before stepping down in 2021. That connection to the Volunteers no doubt influenced Baron’s early football journey and work ethic.
For the Jets, Baron adds depth and developmental upside to a defensive front that continues to prioritize speed and disruption off the edge. While not projected as an immediate starter, he is expected to compete for rotational snaps and special teams duties, with the potential to carve out a larger role as he adapts to the pro level. His ability to play as a stand-up edge rusher or as a hand-in-the-dirt defensive end provides the coaching staff with flexibility in their scheme. If he continues on his upward trajectory, Baron could prove to be a valuable asset in the trenches for the Jets’ defense.
