Laughable 2026 re-draft has Jets passing on Armand Membou at No. 7

Throughout the 2025 season, there weren't many bright spots for the New York Jets in a 13-loss season. But first-round pick Armand Membou was certainly one of them.

The No. 7 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft had a stellar rookie season, starting all 17 games at right tackle and providing a stable presence on New York's offensive line. If the draft were to happen today, it's fair to say Membou would go even higher than the seventh pick.

He had a better season than New England Patriots rookie tackle Will Campbell, that's for sure. But according to CBS Sports' Blake Brockermeyer, Membou isn't even worth a top 20 pick, and had the Jets going in the complete opposite direction at No. 7.

2026 re-draft has Jets skipping Armand Membou for Falcons safety Xavier Watts

Brockermeyer's re-draft has the Jets selecting Atlanta Falcons safety Xavier Watts at No. 7, who was originally picked 93rd overall in the third round.

"He was very productive in Atlanta with five interceptions and 11 passes defended — something the Jets desperately needed. He also added nearly 100 tackles," wrote Brockermeyer.

Brockermeyer noted that the original pick would've been Falcons edge James Pearce Jr. based on his on-field production, but given recent events, he was removed from consideration.

There's no denying the Jets are in desperate need of a ball-hawking safety, which Watts certainly is. But to take him at No. 7 overall when both the Defensive and Offensive Rookies of the Year are still on the board is almost laughable.

Watts was certainly an excellent player for the Falcons this past season, but you could argue he wasn't even the best safety in the class.

Seattle Seahawks' star Nick Emmanwori went 17th to the Cincinnati Bengals, while Baltimore Ravens safety Malaki Starks went 20th to the Denver Broncos. Both of those players had a significant impact on two conference championship-caliber teams.

Set aside Membou for a moment, who doesn't end up getting picked until No. 22 by the Los Angeles Chargers, (who have All-Pro caliber tackles in Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater by the way,) but Cleveland Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger is on the board, New York Giants edge rusher Abdul Carter is available, and the Carolina Panthers still grab Tetairoa McMillan at No. 8 right after the Jets pick.

Honestly, sticking and picking with Membou at No. 7 would've been the right way to go here. Outside of New Orleans Saints offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr., it's hard to point to a rookie offensive lineman who played better than Membou did in his rookie season.