The New York Jets are currently riding a 14-year playoff drought, and while the franchise’s inability to solve the quarterback conundrum is a big reason why, a long-struggling offensive line is another main culprit. The last two general managers have attempted to solve the Jets’ issues up front, but newly hired Darren Mougey finally did it on the first night of the 2025 NFL Draft with the selection of Missouri offensive tackle Armand Membou at No. 7 overall.
Membou should slot in at right tackle opposite of last year’s first-round pick, Olu Fashanu out of Penn State, who projects as the team’s starting left tackle. New York has been looking for a long-term solution at both of its tackle spots since whiffing on the No. 11 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft with Mekhi Becton out of Louisville.
Becton struggled to establish himself as an offensive tackle in the league and failed to stay healthy and in playing shape during his four seasons in New York. Then, Becton emerged as a key member of the Philadelphia Eagles’ offensive line at right guard last season. Becton blocked for running back Saquon Barkley’s 2,000-yard season, a run game that led the Eagles to the Super Bowl as the Jets imploded, fired their head coach, and moved on from future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
The addition of Membou will ease the sting of Becton’s post-New York success and will finally steady the offensive line for the Jets and new quarterback Justin Fields.
Membou will be crucial in Justin Fields’ make-or-break season
Like Becton did in Philadelphia, another former first-round pick is looking to revitalize his career. After one season in Pittsburgh, former Chicago Bears' draft pick signed a two-year deal with the Jets with one last chance to make-or-break his career. While pass protection will be important to Fields' continued development into his fifth year of NFL football, the run-game could be even more vital to his success.
With Membou's impressive size, he'll likely make the biggest impact as a run-blocker early in his career, and as a duel-threat quarterback, that could maximize Fields' skillset.