Make Your Case | Why Draft Analysts Think Armand Membou Would Be a Good Fit for the Jets
Leading up the NFL Draft, NewYorkJets.com will use NFL Draft analyst comments to “Make Your Case” on why certain draft prospects would be a good fit for the team.
The Jets, at present, hold eight picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, including the No. 7 overall selection. The first round will take place April 24 in Green Bay at 8 p.m. EDT. Day 2 will be on April 25 and Day 3 on April 26.
Today’s Player: Missouri RT Armand Membou
Background/Profile
Armand Membou (6-4, 332) was a three-year starter at right tackle for Missouri in the Tigers’ RPO-heavy offensive scheme. Membou, whose family immigrated to the US from French-speaking Cameroon, grew up in Lee’s Summit, MO, a Kansas City suburb, and displayed the agility and athleticism needed to play multiple sports (football, soccer, tennis and wrestling). He became a starter as a freshman and earned All-SEC honors this past season.
“He tested very, very well,” said NFL.com draft analyst Brian Baldinger. “He’s very athletic, and he’s got great size. You know? He’s over 6-3, 330 pounds. He played in the SEC going up against elite competition. I just don’t think physically, he’s there yet. He might have a higher ceiling because of his athletic ability, and if he gets stronger, especially at the point of attack, I think he could become an elite player. I don’t think he is that guy yet.”
Membou, 21, didn’t allow any sacks or QB hits in 411 pass-blocking snaps last season, and graded out well as a run blocker. He is noted for his above-average pass-blocking ability, good balance and quickness. Some analysts have compared him to Steelers’ tackle Troy Fautanu, the 2023 Morris Trophy winner. Membou has the potential to be a long-term answer on a Jets’ offensive line that has struggled with continuity the past few seasons.
“Membou is a guy that I think he’s going to play in this league for a long time,” Baldinger said.
The Fit
When it comes to the offensive line, GM Darren Mougey and HC Aaron Glenn have to be encouraged because the Jets are returning with four starters — LT Olu Fashanu, LG John Simpson, C Joe Tippmann and RG Alijah Vera-Tucker. Adding a first-round pick at RT, especially one like Membou who has excelled in a RPO-type offense the Jets could use featuring QB Justin Fields, could be significant. With Membou positioned to slot in as a starter, all five O-line starters would be younger than 30 years old.
In addition, moves in free agency (Josh Myers and Chukwuma Okorafor), holdovers from previous drafts (Carter Warren, Max Mitchell), plus potential selection in the draft’s later rounds could set up the Green & White for solid play at a crucial position.
Where He’s Projected in Mock Drafts
NFL.com: No. 9 (New Orleans)
PFF: No. 7 (Jets)
CBS Sports: No. 7 (Jets)
ESPN: No. 7 (Jets)
Other Players in the Field
LSU Will Campbell is likely to be among the first OL off the board on Day 1, possibly among the first five selections. Depending how the rest of the first round shakes out (a mock draft on ESPN.com has Kevin Banks Jr., Josh Conerly, Jr., and Josh Simmons all going later on Day 1), the Jets could have viable options on Day 2 (picks No. 42 and No. 73 overall) and Day 3.
Baldinger mentioned Minnesota’s Aireontae Ersery (6-6, 331) who, like Membou acquitted himself well against top competition in the Big Ten and a potential Day 3 pick in Purdue’s Corey Stewart (6-5, 314) and perhaps LSU’s powerful Emery Jones (6-5, 315).
“I really want to take the best player, because I think you can still find and develop offensive tackles in this league in the third and fourth round, or offensive guards, because I think they have some flexibility,” Baldinger said.
He added: “A lot of right tackles in this league, that’s where they get taken [in later rounds]. They get taken in the second round, and because they don’t have the elite traits to make them a first-round pick, [they’re] still going to be a good player.”