Jets Commit To ‘Violent, Aggressive’ Culture With First-Round Tackle Armand Membou

Following a hugely disappointing 2024 that saw them finish 5-12, the New York Jets went through a complete overhaul – head coach, general manager and quarterback. New head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey have made it clear that they’re looking to turn things around quickly for the team with the longest playoff drought in North American sports. And that began last week, with the seventh-overall selection of right tackle Armand Membou.

Membou played for Missouri for three years, making the second-team All-SEC in 2024. His potential, though, lies in his physicality. Membou is reportedly a “ridiculous athlete,” with a playing style best described as “nasty.” The Jets, who have had a glaring hole at right tackle, will be hoping he’s a day-one starter.

“The number one thing is we really have guys that fit the brand of who we’re going to be,” said Glenn following the Draft.

And what is that brand?

“Tough, physical, violent, aggressive, a resilient attitude,” he said. “We continue to get guys like that, I mean, you’ll start to see the brand show up on the grass.”

Despite consistently drafting highly offensive linemen, the Jets have underperformed. They were 23rd in pass block win rate last season, and have only finished above 20th once in the past five years. Continuing to invest in the offensive line should give an extra layer of security to newly-acquired quarterback Justin Fields.

“I come from two teams … where everything was about the offensive line,” said Glenn, discussing the Membou pick. “I’m a firm believer that you start it inside out. So if we can build our line, just as much as our defensive line, that only helps you as a team. It helps your quarterback, it helps your running backs, it helps your passing game, and it just creates an identity within your team.”

The Jets were scrambling for much of last year, looking for an Aaron Rodgers miracle that never came. They fired their head coach in the middle of the season and proceeded to continue declining. In short, they looked hopeless – lacking an identity.

These new Jets promise to be better. Membou is a hugely promising pick with Pro Bowl potential, and he certainly bolsters Glenn’s brand. But, for the Jets fans who have waited 14 years to see the playoffs again, they’ll have to see it in the regular season to believe it.