The 2025 rookie class has been solid, but there hasn't been too many superstars to emerge yet, leaving the award races still up for grabs we we approach mid-December.
The current favorite to take home Rookie of the Year honor on the offensive side is Carolina Panthers receiver Tetairoa McMillan. McMillian has 59 catches for 859 yards and six touchdowns. Other candidates include Jaxon Dart, who has missed significant time due to injury, or Tyler Warren, whose production has slowed after the injury to quarterback Daniel Jones. So could a Mizzou rookie sneak in to claim the award?
Tackle Armand Membou was taken with the seventh overall pick by the New York Jets, and has been enjoying a great year despite the Jets' struggles as a team. While the award isn't usually handed out to offensive lineman, Membou's play has been good enough he needs to at least be considered.
Former Mizzou tackle Armand Membou has dominated in his rookie year
Membou ranks as the No. 1 rookie tackle on PFF, and has continues to improve each week. Even against Myles Garrett, surefire Defensive Player of the Year, he only allowed two pressures and one sack with Garrett recieving a 58.2 PFF Grade — his lowest of the season and his second-lowest in six years.
The Jets as a whole have clearly struggled, but it's obvious that they've hit a home run with Membou, who will be a cornerstone piece of their offensive line for years to come. The Jets have a top-10 rushing attack, and will look to build around the new strength of their team.
While it seems unlikely that Membou will win the award, he's done more than enough to justify his first round price tag. He's just 21 years old, and is already performing like one of the top tackles in the league.