Jets Right Tackle Earning All-Rookie Praise

Armand Membou is thriving in his rookie season in New York

Recognizing the need at right tackle, the choice with the seventh overall pick was simple. Without hesitation, the Jets swung on Missouri right tackle Armand Membou. A beloved member of head coach Eli Drinkwitz’s Missouri Tigers, Membou was a multi-year starter and overshadowed by big schools in the SEC. However, that didn’t diminish his abilities on the field. With a hulking frame at 6’4″ and over 330lbs, Membou wowed scouts in Indianapolis with the fastest 40-yard dash time among scouts during the NFL Combine. Through Membou’s run blocking, Missouri had a 1,600+ yard rushing season from running back Cody Schrader in 2023. With that kind of run-blocking ability, they believed he’d be perfect to help the running back room, and right they were.

Jets Have A Top 10 Rushing Offense

Much has been brought up about the woeful state of the Jets passing game this season. Between Justin Fields struggles and Garrett Wilson’s injury, the Jets average a league-worst 146.8 passing yards per game. However, despite this, the Jets offense has succeeded in its offseason goal of establishing the run. Through the first 13 weeks of the season, the Jets average a seventh-best 133.7 rushing yards per game. Star running back Breece Hall has led the charge with 834 yards thus far. Even with his struggles, Justin Fields has nearly 400 rushing yards this season. While they’ve been the biggest beneficiaries, it’s thanks to the offensive line’s hard work that made it possible. Pairing a young duo like Tippmann and Membou on the right side has opened up more running lanes this season. Imagine how much better it can be with a healthy AVT back in 2026?

Can they build on this to improve the Passing Game in 2026?

It’s no secret that the passing game will take time to get to fruition. However, there is a lot of evidence to point to it turning around earlier than expected. This is crucial to how the Jets handle the quarterback position next year. Their recent success has cost them draft positioning, but they are armed with enough capital to move up the board. The quarterback class in 2027 is way more diverse compared to this year. However, the lack of premier bridge quarterbacks makes this a tough sell. Yet, some fans are wary of using the picks to trade up for one of Fernando Mendoza. Along with the looming danger of Dante Moore and Ty Simpson potentially returning to school.

Regardless, the Jets passing game should improve even with Tyrod Taylor retaining the job. Another offseason together should refine the pass protection in New York. Along with retaining Adonai Mitchell and hopefully John Metchie, the Jets have two promising young receivers to pair with Garrett Wilson. Plus, another year of development for Mason Taylor can lead to a big sophomore surge in his second year. Should the offensive line maintain this production, it can be a more efficient offense in 2026, no matter who is under center.