Why New York Jets tackle Armand Membou was the best rookie in the 2025 NFL Draft
Nobody expected Armand Membou to dominate in his first year in the NFL.
Membou was a right tackle who was a great run blocker from Missouri. During his college years, he moved defensive lineman past the line of scrimmage and pancaked them with his 6-foot-4, 332 pounds frame. Although he was not dominant at pass blocking, he was average, giving his quarterback enough time to throw the football.
In the offensive line class in the 2025 NFL Draft, Armand was rated below Will Campbell from LSU. At 6-foot-6, 319 pounds, Will manhandled defensive ends and was regarded as an elite pass blocker. This left tackle was projected to be selected in the top 5 picks in the draft while Membou was expected to be chosen later in the first round.
New York picked Armand 7th overall in the draft after the New England Patriots chose Campbell with the 4th overall pick.
As soon as he played in his first Jets game, it became clear that Membou was a special player. In Week 1 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, he did not allow a single sack to Pro Bowl linebacker T.J. Watt. The rookie tackle also paved the way for running back Breece Hall to gain 107 yards on 19 carries and made a crucial block on RB Braelon Allen’s touchdown.
Throughout the 2025 season, Armand became a force on the offensive line. He opened holes for the running backs just like he did in college. Any doubts about his suspect pass blocking coming out of Missouri were shut down as he gave ample time for quarterbacks Justin Fields, Tyrod Taylor and Brady Cook to throw the football. With the rookie tackle leading the way, he helped Breece Hall become the 1st Jets 1,000-yard rusher since 2015.
Compare Membou’s stellar season with how poorly the other tackle played. Will Campbell was consistently losing leverage against defensive ends, causing his body to be pushed back into Patriots quarterback Drake Maye. With pressure in his face, the QB was forced to throw the ball much earlier than he had planned. Campbell‘s struggles continued from the regular season into the playoffs. He hit rock bottom when he allowed 14 QB pressures in Super Bowl LX, which was the most allowed by a player in a game during the regular season or playoffs. His horrendous performance was a major reason why New England was blown out by the Seattle Seahawks 29-13.
Armand surprised the world by how he took the NFL by storm in his 1st season. Even Jets head coach Aaron Glenn had high praise for the rookie.
“For a right tackle to come in and be put on the island in some of the things that we put him in situations, I thought he’s been doing a hell of a job. As he continues to progress, I see him becoming a true leader of this team.”
For his accomplishments, he was selected to the Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie team. The 21-year-old right tackle and second year left tackle Olu Fashanu form one of the youngest superior offensive lines in the league. Gang Green has finally found their franchise bookend tackles.
