Armand Membou is already ahead of schedule for the Jets entering 2026

There weren't many bright spots during what was a wholly miserable 2025 season for the New York Jets, but rookie right tackle Armand Membou was most definitely one of them.

The seventh overall pick entered the NFL carrying enormous expectations and somehow managed to exceed most of them. While the Jets stumbled through another dismal year, Membou spent his rookie season establishing himself as one of the most promising young offensive linemen in football.

So with that, Day 27 of your 2026 Jets Camp Countdown belongs to the Missouri Mauler, the Cameroonian Crusher, Armand and Dangerous, and one of the faces of the Jets' young offensive line...it's Armand Membou.

The Jets drafted Membou with the hope that they had found their right tackle of the future. One season later, it feels fair to wonder if they've found that and even more.

1. Where Armand Membou stands entering Jets training camp
2. Armand Membou is already ahead of schedule in his development
3. What would make 2026 a success for Armand Membou
4. Recent 2026 Camp Countdown Breakdowns

Where Armand Membou stands entering Jets training camp

Membou enters training camp firmly entrenched as the Jets' starting right tackle. The Missouri product started all 17 games in 2025 and immediately established himself as one of the best players on the entire roster.

That's an impressive accomplishment for any rookie offensive lineman, let alone one stepping into a starting role from Day 1. It's also worth remembering that there was a genuine debate surrounding the pick at the time — this was not some consensus slam-dunk selection by Darren Mougey.

Many fans wanted the Jets to draft Penn State tight end Tyler Warren instead. Warren went on to have an excellent rookie season of his own, but there aren't many complaints about the Jets' decision these days. Membou justified his draft status almost immediately.

There is a legitimate argument that he already enters 2026 as one of the five best players on the Jets' roster. That's a pretty remarkable place for him to be after just one NFL season, even if it also speaks to the lack of high-end talent under contract with the Jets. But I digress!

Armand Membou is already ahead of schedule in his development

The concerns surrounding Membou entering the draft largely centered around his readiness as a pass protector. Yet, all of those concerns already seem overblown after watching his rookie season.

Membou finished the season as Pro Football Focus' highest-graded rookie right tackle with a 72.7 overall grade. He was also one of only 14 offensive tackles in the entire NFL to post both a PFF pass-block grade and run-block grade above 72.0.

His 73.8 pass-block grade ranked 11th among qualified right tackles and first among rookie right tackles. Remember, this is a guy who only just turned 22 a few months ago.

Of course, his rookie year wasn't flawless. Membou still allowed eight sacks and committed 11 penalties. Four of those penalties came in a single game, however, and a large portion of his pressure totals came during a rough stretch early in the year.

From Weeks 4 through 7, Membou surrendered 16 pressures. He allowed 33 pressures all season. That means that nearly half of the pressures he allowed all year came in a four-game stretch early in the season.

Membou looked increasingly comfortable handling NFL pass rushers as the year progressed. The athleticism that made him such an intriguing prospect began showing up more consistently on Sundays.

The Jets believed they were drafting a high-upside offensive tackle, but it's safe to say Membou arrived looking far more NFL-ready than expected.

What would make 2026 a success for Armand Membou

Membou's rookie season certainly raised the bar as far as expectations are concerned moving forward. Nobody is wondering whether he can become a competent NFL starter. Instead, the conversation is now about just how high his ceiling could be.

Teammate Josh Myers offered quite the endorsement when speaking to reporters at OTAs earlier this month.

"Membou has the ability to be, like, great, great great, one of the greats. There's a lot that needs to happen between now and then, but he's got the talent, he's got the mentality."

Josh Myers

It's difficult to find many people around the organization who disagree. Membou's athletic profile has always been special. He posted one of the most impressive testing performances by an offensive tackle in recent draft history.

Comparisons to players like Tristan Wirfs stem from those rare physical traits, even if nobody should expect him to become arguably the best tackle in football overnight.

A successful 2026 season for Membou could include his first Pro Bowl selection and a spot among the league's top right tackles. Those goals feel entirely realistic based on what he showed as a rookie.

After all, there aren't many offensive linemen who leave their first NFL season with people discussing All-Pro potential. Membou is one of them.

The Jets drafted Armand Membou hoping they had found a cornerstone player for the next decade. If his rookie season was any indication, they sure seem to have found one.

Recent 2026 Camp Countdown Breakdowns

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