Jets Draft Membou at No. 7: Future Regret or Touchdown?

Jets Draft Membou at No. 7: Future Regret or Touchdown?

3 minute read
Published: 4/25/2025

In a move that has Jets fans cheering, New York selected 6-foot-4, 332-pound offensive tackle Armand Membou with the No. 7 pick, proving once again that they really, really love building an offensive line.

The Jets’ commitment to beefing up their offensive line is clearer than ever, as they snagged Membou, a three-year starter from Missouri with the kind of stats that make you wonder if he moonlights as a bouncer. With three first-round picks now starting on the line, and Coach Aaron Glenn vouching for Membou’s 'mean, nasty, and tough' demeanor, it’s evident the Jets are finally crafting a wall that could protect a quarterback or stop a runaway train—whichever comes first.

Membou stood out at Missouri, starting 29 games over three seasons. His impressive Pro Football Focus grade of 90.4 in 2024 doesn't just put him on the map; it practically gives him a permanent address right next to the elite in college football. Ranking third among Power 4 tackles, this intimidating figure has made it clear that he isn’t just ready to stand around idly—he's here to tackle any challenges, or defenders, that come his way.

In a draft where some teams opt for flashy skill positions, the Jets have decided that those cute little running backs and receivers can wait. Clearly, when they say they want to protect their investment—presumably the quarterback—they mean business. With Members’ college performance backing them up, the Jets are banking on him being an immediate plug-and-play starter, ensuring their signal-caller doesn’t spend his Sunday afternoons ducking for cover or avoiding dental bills.

Beyond the impressive stats and accolades, Membou brings a physical presence that cannot be overlooked. At 6-foot-4 and tipping the scales at a whopping 332 pounds, it's hard to miss him—or appreciate the gravitational pull he adds to the Jets' lineup. In fact, his combine numbers place him in rare company, likening him to last year’s top pick, Tristan Wirfs. One might wonder if the sheer mass of Membou can indeed manifest into a force strong enough to not just move defenders, but possibly reverse-engineer the concept of gravity altogether.

That said, this isn’t the first time the Jets have gambled on tackling a line issue with a first-round pick—this marks the second consecutive year they’ve opted for offensive linemen in the opening round. It appears the organization's strategy is to construct a veritable fortress around their quarterback, merging last year’s pick with this new addition. If they keep this up, they may need to hire a bridge engineer to certify that their offensive line can bear its own weight.

Dane Brugler from The Athletic appreciates Membou's ability, noting that he plays 'long' and has 'exceptional control.' One can only presume that the Jets are ecstatic upon hearing this because, in a world where football players can sometimes remind one of disconnected action figures, Membou’s control could differentiate him from the pack. Not to mention, a long frame likely gives him the reach necessary to block out the sun—or at the very least, the oncoming pass rush.

As the Jets prepare for another season with high hopes and uncertain outcomes, they are looking to enhance their offensive line with the addition of Armand Membou, selected with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Only time will tell if this selection becomes another chapter in the ongoing saga of 'what could have been' or if it finally propels them to success on the field.

While we might all have our opinions about whether the Jets made the right choice taking another lineman so high, fans can rest easy knowing this—if nothing else, Membou should provide ample entertainment by having the local defensive linemen reconsider their career choices. With any luck, the next time the Jets face off against a ferocious defense, they’ll be able to keep their quarterback upright long enough to plan a proper parade in honor of their successes—or at the very least avoid painting a regrettable picture that could include ‘Membou’ and ‘bust’ in the same sentence.