Jets’ Membou: ‘I’m going to make sure to keep my quarterback clean’

The New York Jets needed some help on the offensive line, and on Thursday night in Green Bay, with the seventh overall pick, they selected former Missouri OT Armand Membou.

The 21-year-old, who was named second-team All-SEC in 2024, said he felt he would land with the Jets.

“I just had a lot of communication with them in the pre-draft process,” he said. “It was just something in my gut that told me, when I woke up today, that I was going to be a Jet.”

Jets GM Darren Mougey believes Membou will be competing for the starting right tackle spot next season.

“Armand’s (Membou) a guy that we first got a chance to meet at the Combine in a formal interview,” Mougey said. “We’ve always kind of admired the film, his physicality, we knew he’d be a physical fit. Got to meet him at the Combine. Had him in for a top-30 visit, actually on his 21st birthday, he was here on his 21st birthday. Had a great visit there, and then this last week, we had a few really good phone calls with him and we were excited that he was there and feel really good about the fit. He’ll come in and compete to start at that right tackle spot for us.”

Jets Head Coach Aaron Glenn says Membou is a great fit for the team.

“The athletic profile is off the charts,” Glenn said. “He’s mean, he’s nasty, he’s tough. What we’re trying to do on offense, he really fits what we’re trying to do, so it was a no brainier. I mean, once the pick was there for us, man, it was like this is the guy.”

Membou enjoyed his talks with Glenn, and he called the first-year head coach “cool.”

“Coach Glenn, yeah, he’s a cool (expletive) dude (laughs),” Membou said. “I’m sorry, I’m still geeking right now, but yeah, we had some good talks.”

The Missouri native, who ran an impressive 4.91 40 at the Combine, a time that is considered fast for an offensive lineman, discussed what he brings to the table.

“I would say they are getting a mauler, for sure,” Membou said. “A mauler in the run game and then pass pro, just someone very consistent. I’m going to make sure to keep my quarterback clean.”

The game is won in the trenches, and the Jets are hoping Membou can help them win next season and beyond.