With their first-round pick in last April’s 2026 NFL draft, the New York Jets selected offensive lineman Armand Membou.

The Jets’ decision to select Membou at No. 7 overall left the fanbase divided. Many fans wanted the team to choose Penn State tight end Tyler Warren; instead, New York opted to take the offensive lineman.

Whether you wanted the Jets to take Membou or not, it’s nearly impossible to overlook his performance this season. The Missouri product has earned a stellar 71.6 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, the highest among all rookie tackles.

Making matters even more impressive is the fact that Membou has gone up against elite talent all season. From Nik Bonitto to T.J. Watt and even Myles Garrett, the rookie has been able to hold his own.

In Sunday’s matchup against Cameron Jordan and the New Orleans Saints, Membou did not allow a single pressure, marking the third game he has accomplished that in this year.

“He’s done a really good job for us,” Jets head coach Aaron Glenn said on Friday. “There are some things that he has to clean up. There are some rookie mistakes that he’s had, but for the most part, I think he’s been a damn good player for us.”

So long as Membou continues to play at as high a level as he has, the Jets should feel good about the future of their draft process and the offensive line as a whole.

The Jets’ shining building block

Twenty-twenty-five has been a disaster for the Jets. They failed to look competent on either side of the ball, fired their defensive coordinator, and were forced to start three different quarterbacks.

Membou’s standout play, though, changes a lot.

Having a secure offensive line, as the Jets do, is massive for their future. In the likelihood that they draft a quarterback in the 2026 selection process, New York will have a strong group in front to protect the young signal-caller.

Leading the charge is Membou.

While fans may be skeptical of the Jets’ ability to develop a young quarterback, the team has already demonstrated its ability to identify top talent.

Armand Membou’s play isn’t just a building block for the future; it’s a sign that the New York Jets can evaluate top-tier NFL draft talent—as evidenced by the team’s young right tackle.