That’s exactly what the New York Jets did in this year’s NFL Draft. With their first round pick they selected Armand Membou. This decision is indicative of the team’s desire to continue fortifying their offensive line, a key pillar in their wide-ranging strategy. General Manager Joe Douglas emphasized the potential of Membou, stating he possesses “the most upside of any tackle in the draft.” It is a very ambitious and significant move by the Jets to make a clear step in improving their overall front line. This has been their priority since 2020.
Membou’s exceptional physical tools were a major factor in him being selected. His 4.91-second 40-yard dash at the scouting combine was the fastest-ever for a nose guard. On the field, GPS tracking verified he hit a top speed of 21 mph. These statistics exemplify his agility and athleticism, key traits for an offensive lineman tasked with protecting the quarterback and opening lanes for running backs. Douglas highlighted Membou’s “elite” footwork, bend, and length—qualities that promise to fortify the Jets’ offensive capabilities.
Aaron Glenn, the team’s defensive coordinator was very excited to get Membou signed after seeing him play. “He’s a heck of a player,” Glenn said, emphasizing his use of exclamation points in expressing enthusiasm for the recent recruit/transfer. In the same interview, he laid out his plans for making the team’s offensive line a hallmark of their style of play. “I think the No. 1 thing is, we really got guys that fit the brand of who we’re going to be,” Glenn remarked.
Membou’s work in pass protection is what’s gaining him the most attention from scouts and coaches. He frustratingly short circuits would-be blockers around midfield while finessing ball carriers toward the sideline. This is a proof of his artistry and power. Glenn plans to leverage this skill as part of a broader initiative to establish a strong offensive identity for the Jets, emphasizing that building a formidable offensive line is paramount.
Glenn’s approach is a product of his experiences. “I come from two teams … where everything was about the offensive line,” he noted, illustrating his belief in prioritizing this position. He’d love to establish a line in much the same way, where he has an offensive line stable built up and new in place. This will ultimately improve the team’s overall output. I’m a strong believer that you begin it internal, internal first. Building our o-line was Glenn’s top priority—pure and simple. Strengthening both lines will be a huge boost for the keys to the team.
The Jets’ offseason approach has been marked by a desire to “move in silence,” as Glenn dubbed it. This new approach reflects Administration’s intent to go for deep and impactful changes, while not calling too much attention to or feigning the process. The choice of Membou is in tune with this approach showing their willingness to quietly improve their roster where it counts without the pomp and circumstance.
Prior to writing Membou, the Jets presented exciting potential across their big uglies. They highlighted elite talents such as Olu Fashanu, Alijah Vera-Tucker, and Mekhi Becton. This established talent base makes for an ideal setting for Membou to join the team. Douglas previously referred to the Jets’ offensive line as “a solid wall” and “a strong wall up front,” suggesting that Membou’s addition could further solidify this unit.
Having served as a scout himself, Glenn’s talent evaluation skills might be as sharp as any GM you’ll find. He has an especially good eye for evaluating cornerbacks. His keen observations on Membou’s game point to a larger awareness of the kind of rigor it requires to succeed at the professional level. “Seeing how he plays on the field, that’s more enticing to me than watching a guy run in underwear at the combine,” Glenn stated, reinforcing his focus on practical skills over mere athletic metrics.
“Just getting to know me one more time before the draft and just seeing what my mentality was going into NFL,” he shared, highlighting his readiness to contribute to the Jets’ goals.
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