Everything you need to know about NY Jets rookie OT Armand Membou

The New York Jets made a move to solidify their frontline for the future in last week's draft. With the seventh pick in the first round, they selected a very young and talented offensive tackle in Missouri's Armand Membou.

The key word there is young — Membou just turned 21 this past March. If all goes well, he should start opposite Olu Fashanu for the next half-decade or more. So it's time for Jets fans to become very familiar with him. Here's everything you need to know.

Upbringing and Development

Membou was born and raised in Lee's Summit, Missouri, attending the local Lee's Summit North High School. He was raised by two Cameroonian immigrants who primarily speak French.

He wasn't always the highly-touted superstar he is today. In high school, he was a meager 6 feet tall and 185 pounds until his junior year. It was ahead of that first semester that he had a growth spurt, resulting in him shooting up to 6-foot-2 and 270 pounds.

This is where he would develop into a four-star football prospect. All the while, he was a multi-sport student, excelling in soccer, wrestling, and tennis as well. It's clear that he's quite simply a natural-born athlete, and he always has been.

Recruiting Process and College Career

Membou was not a huge fan of the recruitment process. This is in stark contrast to the majority of collegiate athletes today, who bask in the glow of various programs' pursuits and all the wealth that comes with it.

Instead, Membou committed to his hometown Missouri Tigers and never looked back. While I don’t know him personally, everything about his decision suggests a focused, mature young athlete with his priorities in order.

In college, he started three seasons, standing out as an excellent pass protector with above-average agility. Last season, he did not allow a single sack on over 400 pass-block snaps,

Freak Athlete and Quiet Confidence

His 40-time is where he really stands out. Membou ran a 4.91 40-yard dash, the fastest of any offensive lineman his size since 2003. Simply put, he is a freight train. This will help him, of course, in pass protection. It's hard to run around a guy that big who moves that fast.

But it should also serve him well in the run game. I can't imagine many linebackers or safeties eager to see Membou charging at them in open space. There are plenty of ways he can make an impact.

It's not just his speed that demonstrates his athleticism. He put up a 9-foot-7 broad jump, besting any offensive lineman this year. Only four linemen have ever surpassed a 30-inch vertical while running a sub-5.00 40-yard dash, while weighing 315 pounds or more. Membou is one of them, with a 34-inch vertical.

He also knows how gifted he is. Just ask him.

"I'm not just fast, I'm strong too. Very explosive, strong, can make any block in the game."

Armand Membou

Freakish athleticism and proven on-field performance, paired with unwavering confidence, is a combination that should make the Jets' brass very happy with their selection.

Where Armand Membou Fits Moving Forward

It's not 100% set in stone exactly where he will play, but all signs point to him lining up at right tackle opposite Olu Fashanu, who showed a lot of promise in his own right as a rookie last season.

While he will have to compete with Chukwuma Okorafor, Max Mitchell, and Carter Warren, you can likely pencil him into the starting right tackle spot for years to come.

The Jets have quietly done a solid job rebuilding their offensive line through the draft, and it’s now in a much better place. If Olu Fashanu builds on last season’s flashes and Armand Membou lives up to expectations, this could be a formidable front five.

Fashanu, John Simpson, Joe Tippmann, and Alijah Vera-Tucker are already an above-average group. The success of Membou could make them one of the league's best. This is crucial in not only protecting Justin Fields but also establishing a long-term culture.

Glenn wants to be physical and this pick is a huge nod toward that mentality.

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