Thomas Salus-Imagn Images

Jets Rookie Already Making Vets Take Notice In The Classroom

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Adam Schultz | Last updated Jun 23, 2025 8:30 AM ET

When the New York Jets were on the clock in the first round of the NFL Draft, many thought the franchise would select a receiver for Justin Fields at No. 7.

However, the franchise zigged when many thought they would zag, and they drafted Missouri tackle Armand Membou to fortify Fields' protection. Given the Jets' desire to be a run-first offense, it makes sense to bolster the trenches, and Membou certainly does that.

As OTAs and minicamp have come and gone, Membou has been hitting all the right notes and has even surprised some of his teammates with how he goes about his business both on and off the field.

One being center Joe Tipperman.

"Membou's been somebody who's really surprised," Tippmann said. "Just being a rookie, coming in being as strong, as physical, as fast as he is and along with the learning that I didn't expect him to have. He's come along really well."

With the Jets' plan clear to build out the offense from the trenches, having Olu Fashanu, New York's first-round pick last year, and now Membou as a potential starter at right tackle, would give the Jets two stud tackles to bookend the offensive line.

Granted, we haven't seen Membou with the pads on at training camp yet, but all signs are pointing to New York having quite the offensive line for Fields in 2025.

Making the coaching staff take notice is a good feather in the cap for a rookie, but it is when you make your teammates take notice that you can really begin to make giant strides.

And while it is only early, the pick of Membou certainly feels like the right one for New York.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: