The New York Jets haven’t had many slam-dunk draft moments in recent years, but with the selection of Armand Membou at No. 7 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, they might’ve finally nailed it. While the headlines this season have often revolved around the quarterback carousel and the fallout from the Justin Fields experiment, it’s been Membou-quietly, consistently-who’s provided a rock-solid foundation up front.
Let’s be clear: offensive linemen don’t usually generate buzz. They’re not scoring touchdowns or showing up in highlight reels.
But if you want to understand why the Jets offense has remained functional in a season full of flux, start with Membou. He’s been that good.
According to Rich Cimini, Membou was the “no-brainer” pick for Jets Rookie of the Year-and the numbers back that up. Among all NFL tackles, Membou ranks 12th in run block win rate and 21st in pass block win rate.
That’s not just solid for a rookie; that’s solid, period. He’s stepped in from Day 1 and held his own against NFL-caliber edge rushers and defensive schemes, and that’s no small feat for a first-year lineman.
The Jets’ decision to trade away stars like Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams wasn’t easy, but the return-a haul of three first-round picks, a second-rounder, and wideout Adonai Mitchell-gave them the kind of draft capital that franchises dream about. And they’ve already started putting it to good use. Membou is the centerpiece of that return, and he’s proving to be worth every bit of the investment.
Looking ahead, the Jets are in a rare position of strength. With two first-round picks and two second-rounders in the 2026 NFL Draft, they have the ammunition to move up for a franchise quarterback if the opportunity presents itself. And if they do, that rookie QB will be stepping into an offense that already has both tackle spots locked down.
That’s because Membou isn’t doing it alone. Second-year tackle Olu Fashanu has been holding down the opposite side, giving the Jets a young, talented bookend duo that could anchor the line for years to come. For a team that’s struggled to protect its quarterbacks in recent seasons, this is a seismic shift.
We talk a lot about giving a rookie quarterback weapons-receivers, tight ends, dynamic backs-but the truth is, none of that matters if he’s running for his life. With Membou and Fashanu in place, the Jets can offer something far more valuable: time.
Time to go through progressions. Time to let plays develop.
Time to grow.
And here’s the kicker: both tackles are on rookie contracts. If the Jets do land a quarterback in the upcoming draft, they’ll have three of the most important offensive positions-left tackle, right tackle, and quarterback-on team-friendly deals. That opens the door for spending elsewhere, whether it’s bolstering the receiving corps, adding playmakers on defense, or shoring up depth across the roster.
This isn’t just about one good draft pick. It’s about building a foundation.
Membou’s emergence gives the Jets flexibility, stability, and a real shot at turning the corner. For a franchise that’s been searching for answers, that’s a game-changer.
The Jets still have work to do, but in Armand Membou, they’ve found a cornerstone. And in the trenches, that’s where the real rebuild begins.