NY Jets trade up to secure elite offensive prospect in proposed draft deal

Armand Membou’s meteoric rise up draft boards has made him perhaps the most popular pick for the New York Jets in countless mock drafts this spring.

With the 2025 NFL Draft week fast approaching, the buzz surrounding the Missouri offensive tackle has only intensified, and the idea of Membou slipping to the Jets at No. 7 overall feels less and less likely by the day.

As Membou’s stock continues to soar, the likelihood of the Jets sitting tight and simply waiting for their top target to fall into their lap doesn't seem to be as wise a strategy.

If the Jets truly have Membou at the top of their draft board, general manager Darren Mougey may need to get aggressive and explore trade-up scenarios to secure his guy. That’s exactly what Sports Illustrated’s Matt Verderame projected in his latest all-trades 2025 NFL mock draft.

NY Jets trade up for Armand Membou in recent 2025 NFL Mock Draft

In this scenario, the Jets strike a deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars to move up two spots to No. 5 overall, ensuring they don’t miss out on Membou. It’s a move that could complete their offensive line and add another key piece to their young offensive core.

The Jets selected Olu Fashanu 11th overall in last year's draft, and the former Penn State standout made a strong first impression when given the chance to play left tackle as a rookie.

Fashanu looks like a long-term building block of a Jets offensive line that has quickly become one of the strengths of their roster. He's joined by the likes of John Simpson, Joe Tippmann, and Alijah Vera-Tucker, who represent one of the better interior trios in the NFL.

The Jets signed veteran Chukwuma Okorafor in free agency to provide depth at offensive tackle, but the team is still searching for a legitimate starting right tackle option. Membou would provide the Jets with a plug-and-play starter at a major position of need.

Membou was a two-year starter at Missouri, making 29 career starts and earning second-team All-SEC honors after an impressive 2024 season. His draft stock surged following a standout performance at this year’s NFL Combine.

Still, the Jets might not feel pressured to move up for Membou, especially with other viable options expected to be on the board. Penn State tight end Tyler Warren remains an obvious target, while offensive line prospects like LSU’s Will Campbell and Texas’ Kelvin Banks Jr. could also be natural fits.

If the Jets view all three as relatively equal prospects, they may opt to stay put at No. 7 and see how the board unfolds. Trading assets to move up just a few spots might not be a price they’re willing to pay.

If Armand Membou is truly their top target, a small trade-up could be worth the cost. But if the Jets feel confident in their other options, patience might be the smarter play.

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