We are less than one month away from rookies reporting to New York Jets training camp. With a new coaching staff and plenty of new faces in the locker room, excitement is building; and so are expectations. For the team’s first round pick, Armand Membou, the expectations could not be higher.
So high, in fact, that NFL.com’s deputy editor, Gennaro Filice, has projected the seventh overall selection to make the NFL’s All-Rookie Team in 2025.
“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.”
It was Membou’s combine performance that put him on everybody’s radar, but Filice says he has the tape to match it.
“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,” Filice continued. “Membou ultimately played 36 games (with 30 starts) for the Tigers, giving up a grand total of thee 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.”
It is absolutely worth noting that Membou earned the nod over fourth overall selection, Will Campbell. Campbell was the only top seven pick who was not included on the writer’s 25-man-roster.
Armand Membou Getting Mentorship From Olu Fashanu
Membou has a lot in common with the team’s young left tackle, Olu Fashanu. Fashanu was the Jets first round pick the year prior. Hearing his name called 11th overall in 2024 means that many of the things Membou has experienced in the last two months, Fashanu knows all too well.
“Since he was a rookie last year, he’s talked to me a lot about his struggles and everything and just how to make my transition easier,” Membou said of Fashanu.
Membou says he is settling in just fine, but ultimately looks forward to just ‘be able to get back to playing the game that I love’.
“The biggest thing is they drafted me because of the player I am, so just being me every day and just showing up with a positive attitude and a growth mentality,” he said.
Membou Impressed At New York’s OTAs
As a top-ten pick, Membou was the face of this year’s Jets draft class. As such, he had a big spot light during this off-season’s workouts. It’s safe to say the rookie did not disappoint.
“I don’t take too much into the workout stuff. We’ve all seen the workout warriors who can’t play a lick football,” Jets offensive line coach Steve Heiden said. “Membou can play ball. He’s a tough kid. He approaches it the right way. He’s smart. Yeah, you see the movement skills, him moving around and being physical with people.”
He also earned some love from the team’s center, Joe Tippmanm, who was surprised by the young man’s pure strength. The team’s right guard, and 2021 first round pick, Alijah Vera-Tucker also praised the rookie who has been going toe to toe with the defensive starters; “Iron sharpens iron” he said.
“Membou’s doing outstanding,” head coach Aaron Glenn said last week. “He’s working his butt off. He’s learning every day, too.”
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