In the unpredictable world of the NFL Draft, even the best projections can fall apart — but for Armand Membou, destiny seemed to be calling. The Jets’ newest offensive tackle, selected No. 7 overall, woke up Thursday morning with a strong feeling that his future was going to be in green and white.
“I was super excited, but at the same time, I kind of knew this was going to be my home,” Membou said in his first press conference as a Jet. “Throughout the pre-draft process, I had a lot of communication with them, and it was just something my gut told me. When I woke up today, I felt like I was going to be a Jet.”
A three-year starter at Missouri, Membou was a standout at right tackle, earning second-team All-SEC honors in 2024 after starting 12 games. He capped his college career with an impressive streak of 30 consecutive starts — all on the right side.
While offensive linemen rarely get the spotlight in terms of stats, Membou made sure to set the record straight on one circulating rumor.
“People said I gave up one sack last year,” he said with a smile. “That’s not accurate. I didn’t give up any sacks.”
The Lee’s Summit, Missouri native becomes the second offensive tackle drafted in the first round by the Jets in back-to-back years, bolstering a unit that saw veteran RT Morgan Moses depart in free agency. With Membou in the mix, the Jets’ projected offensive line — from left to right — now features LT Olu Fashanu, LG John Simpson, C Joe Tippmann, RG Alijah Vera-Tucker, and Membou anchoring the right tackle spot.
“I think the Jets’ O-line already has a strong young foundation,” Membou said. “Adding me into that group, and the work I’m going to put in, I believe we can become dominant up front.”
When asked to describe his playing style, Membou didn’t hesitate: “I’m a mauler, for sure. In pass protection, I’m someone who’s very consistent. My priority is keeping the quarterback clean.”
The move to New York represents a huge leap for Membou — from the quieter college town of Columbia, Missouri (population 130,000) to the bustling New York metropolitan area of over 8 million people. But the adjustment might be a little easier for Membou, who visited the city during a trip in December 2024.
An all-around athlete in his youth, Membou played basketball, tennis, and soccer before finally strapping on football pads in eighth grade — and he never looked back.
“Football is just different,” he explained. “The brotherhood you build, what you go through with your teammates — it’s not the same as other sports. Plus, once I stuck with it, I realized I was much better at football than the others, even though I wasn’t great at first. Over time, I really developed a love for the game.”
Membou, whose parents immigrated from Cameroon, also took a moment to reflect on the whirlwind journey that brought him to the NFL. Just a few months ago, he was still deciding whether to return to school for another season. But after his draft stock soared — highlighted by a stunning 4.91-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine — he trusted his instincts.
“It’s definitely been a long process,” he said. “At first it was confusing — I didn’t know where I’d land or if I should go back to Missouri. But deep down, I knew I was ready. I’m really glad I believed in myself.”
Now, the Jets believe in him too — and Membou is ready to make his mark in the trenches.
