Over the past several years, the Jets have studiously and successfully gone about building what has the makings of an elite offensive line.
It began with the drafting of RG Alijah Vera-Tucker (No. 14 overall in 2021), continued with C Joe Tippmann (No. 43 in 2023), then LT Olu Fashanu (No. 11 in 2024) and finally RT Armand Membou (No. 7 in 2025); plus the signing in free agency of LG John Simpson in March 2024.
On NFL.com Gennaro Filice, deputy editor, written content, put together his "All Rookie Team: Projecting 11 Instant-Impact Newcomers on Offense." Membou is No. 7 on the list.
"Entering this past April's draft, the Jets' offensive line boasted a capable starter at four of the five slots," Filice wrote. "So, one year after the old regime used its last first-round pick on an athletic left tackle (Olu Fashanu), the new regime used its first first-rounder on a mauler to man the right edge.
"At a touch over 6-4 and 332 pounds, Membou put on an impressive athletic display at the NFL Scouting Combine. But the 21-year-old's no simple 'workout warrior,' as he spent the last three years making a name for himself in the SEC. Taking over as Missouri's right tackle midway through his true freshman season back in 2022, Membou ultimately played 36 games (with 30 starts) for the Tigers, giving up a grand total of 3 sacks, including zero this past season.
"And in the ground game, he was a violent road-grader who routinely climbed to the second level to bury overmatched defenders -- this undoubtedly caught the eyes of new head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey, who are looking to build a stout rushing attack around quarterback Justin Fields. Membou could be the final piece to an extremely promising offensive line."
Through rookie minicamp, OTAs and mandatory minicamp, Membou's tenacity, smarts and determination have already made an impact on his coaches.
"He loves football, he loves football, and that's what you want," OC Tanner Engstrand said. "We want a team of a bunch of guys that love football and that's been glaring for me with that player."
HC Aaron Glenn has also taken notice of his prized draft pick when he said: "Membou's doing outstanding. He's working his butt off. He's learning every day, too." He added: "I think it's just adjusting from, I mean being in Missouri to being here in the NFL and playing against a top-notch rusher he's been going against week-in and week-out."
