Jordan’s Film Room: Armand Membou Makes Statement as a Rookie

When the New York Jets selected Armand Membou No. 7 overall in the 2025 NFL draft, expectations were high. At the end of the draft process, I had Membou graded as one of the most athletic and polished prospects in the class regardless of position. With all the talent he possesses, his transition to the NFL was still worth monitoring, especially against the elite pass rushers of the NFL. His first test came in Week 1 where he faced one of the league’s premier pass rushers, T.J. Watt. 

Membou not only held his ground, but at times dominated his individual matchups. He showcased the athleticism, technique, and poise that made him a top draft pick. His performance immediately signaled that he is ready to be a cornerstone of the Jets’ offensive line.

Armand Membou: Football Background

Armand Membou hails from Missouri, where he developed a reputation as a dominant right tackle at the collegiate level. At Missouri, he displayed a rare combination of size, strength, and explosiveness, excelling in both run blocking and pass protection. Over his two years as a starter, he allowed very few pressures and virtually no sacks.

Membou’s athleticism was also evident during pre-draft testing. He ran a remarkable 4.91-second 40-yard dash with a 1.74-second 10-yard split at 332 pounds. He also showed his explosiveness and strength with a 34-inch vertical jump, 9-foot-7 broad jump, and 31 reps of 225 pounds in the bench press.

This combination of athleticism made one thing abundantly clear — Membou is a rare athlete at the position. His movement skills, speed, explosiveness, and power make him exceptionally versatile, capable of handling both speed and power from the edge or front inside on stunts and twists.

Armand Membou: Film Room

Strengths

Armand Membou possesses a rare combination of physical ability and football intelligence that makes him an elite prospect. His athleticism and quick footwork allow him to mirror defenders effectively, staying square and balanced even against elite edge rushers like T.J. Watt.

Armand combines this agility with raw strength and an impressive anchor, absorbing bull rushes and maintaining leverage while driving defenders off the line.

In the run game, Membou consistently creates movement at the point of attack, shows the ability to reach block outside shoulders, and gets to the second level to neutralize linebackers.

Technically, his hand placement, punch timing, and stance are sound, giving him an immediate advantage in pass protection. Beyond the physical tools, Membou has a competitive mentality, consistently finishing blocks, playing through contact, and maintaining focus, all of which allow him to perform at a high level even in challenging situations.

Areas to Improve

While Membou’s skillset is advanced, there are areas for continued growth. Occasionally, he can play upright in his stance and get beat inside in the run game. During his Week 1 clash versus the Pittsburgh Steelers, T.J. Watt was able to beat Membou inside on a couple occasions. Playing with better pad level and not allowing the defense to win inside in the run game are both correctable and coachable.

Week 1 Performance vs. the Steelers

Membou’s rookie debut was a showcase of all his tools coming together. Lined up against Watt and a Steelers defensive front designed to confuse and pressure him, he held the Jets’ right edge with authority. Over 25 pass-blocking snaps, he allowed no pressures, sacks, hits, or hurries.

His footwork and balance were exceptional, allowing him to mirror Watt’s speed rushes while maintaining a clean pocket for Justin Fields. When faced with bull rushes, Membou anchored effectively, using strength and leverage to stall defenders and keep them from collapsing the pocket.

In the running game, Membou’s impact was equally significant. His ability to seal edges and move defenders laterally helped the Jets generate 182 rushing yards, creating lanes and opening space for Breece Hall and the team’s ground attack. He also displayed sound awareness when faced with stunts and twists always scanning and recognizing threats quickly and adjusting to ensure the pocket remained secure.

Beyond the technical skills, Membou’s competitive mindset was evident. He engaged aggressively with defenders, finished blocks, and maintained focus throughout the game. His rookie poise, athleticism, and awareness against a top-tier opponent signaled that he is not just a developmental prospect, he is NFL-ready.

Final Thoughts

Armand Membou’s Week 1 performance delivered exactly what the Jets hoped for when they invested a top-10 pick in him. He combined elite physical tools with refined technique, awareness, and a competitive edge to dominate in his very first NFL game.

While the Jets fell short in a narrow 34-32 loss to the Steelers, Membou’s debut provided an immediate and positive takeaway. The team may have already found its cornerstone right tackle. In combination with 2024 first round selection Olu Fashanu, the Jets appear to have their book-end tackles of the future. If Week 1 is any indication, Armand Membou is on track to be one of the most impactful rookies in the NFL this season.