In the final moments of a comeback surge against Tampa Bay, rookie CB Azareye'h Thomas' number was called. With CB Sauce Gardner briefly sidelined for an injury evaluation, Thomas stepped in -- first to help hold the Buccaneers to a field goal and keep the game within reach, and then to defend a 1-point lead with the game on the line.

"It was kind of a surreal moment, for real," Thomas said. "Big-time game, us trying to win a game and me coming in as a rookie. You live for those moments. To try and close out the game. The snaps I had going in, I feel like I was prepared."

The moment wasn't too big for the 2025 third-round draft selection. Though Thomas only played 10 defensive snaps (14%) last Sunday, he made the most of his limited action -- breaking up a deep pass from Tampa Bay QB Baker Mayfield intended for rookie receiver Emeka Egbuka on the Buccaneers' final drive. The Jets ultimately surrendered a field goal and fell, 29-27, but Thomas said making a play in a critical moment gave him confidence in his ability to contribute moving forward.

"My confidence really comes from my preparation," he said. "Even though my number was called then, I always prepare like my number will be called. And then I go in and just try to take advantage of the reps that I do get. So, when I do go into the game, I'm not really thinking about it -- I'm just doing it. And I'm out there playing free."

While HC Aaron Glenn acknowledged the small sample size, he said the encouraging performance was a testament to Thomas' skill set and the player he is on a daily basis.

"When it comes to watching him in practice, nothing changed with what I thought about him coming out of the draft," Glenn said of the Florida State product. "He's a big corner, he does a really good job in press coverage, he can run, he has game speed. When he runs a 40, it's not the speed that everybody wants. But he has game speed, which is two different types of speed -- and that's what I look for more than anything. So, anytime he gets a chance to play in the game, it's only going to help us, because he's going to help us quite a bit at some point."

Thomas has had a chance to play in each of the Jets' first three games this season, but he has largely contributed on special teams. Playing 30 snaps across the first three games of the season, Thomas stressed "whatever role I have, I'm going to put my best foot forward." For DC Steve Wilks, though, continuing to get defensive reps will be important for the rookie's development.

"AZ to me has been that guy that we've all been impressed with," Wilks said. "I just love his length, his physicality at the line of scrimmage. His long ball speed down the field. And as you saw on Sunday, it's not too big for him. I'm excited about continuing to get him into the fold, get him reps and get him going."

As the Jets' defense aims to take a step forward and make critical stops to close out games, Thomas believes focusing on the details and "doing my one-eleventh" will go a long way in keeping him ready to step up and contribute -- whenever that next opportunity may come."

"Continue to prepare like a starter," he said of his goals. "I never know when my number is going to be called. When my number is called again, I will most definitely be ready."