NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stands on stage after announcing Armand...

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stands on stage after announcing Armand Membou after he was chosen by the Jets with the seventh overall pick during the first round of the NFL Draft, Thursday, April 24, 2025, in Green Bay, Wis.  Credit: AP/Jeff Roberson

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — The Jets beefed up their offensive line and gave new quarterback Justin Fields a big body to protect him and open holes for him to run through.

Missouri junior right tackle Armand Membou was the first draft pick of the Darren Mougey-Aaron Glenn era. The Jets took Membou with the No. 7 pick in the first round of Thursday’s NFL Draft.

“The athletic profile is off the charts,” said Glenn, the Jets’ first-year coach. “He’s mean, he’s nasty, he’s tough. What we’re trying to do on offense, he really fits what we’re trying to do so it was a no-brainer. Once the pick was there for us, man, it was like this is the guy.”

Membou called himself “a mauler” and said he was “super excited” to be a Jet. He said he had a lot of communication with them and was confident that the Jets would draft him.

“I had a feeling this was going to be my home. It was just crazy,” Membou said on a Zoom call. “There was just something in my gut told me when I woke up today I was going to be a Jet.”

The Jets needed to shore up the right tackle position. Morgan Moses signed with the Patriots, leaving a big hole on the offensive line. The Jets filled it with the 6-4, 332-pound Membou and bolstered a line that performed better than expected last season.

The Jets took a tackle in the first round for the second straight year. They drafted left tackle Olu Fashanu with the No. 11 pick last year. Fashanu and Membou could potentially be bookend tackles for many years for the Jets.

recommendedJets draft history

Membou will line up next to right guard Alijah Vera-Tucker. The starting line also consists of center Joe Tippmann and left guard John Simpson.

“I think the Jets’ O-line has a good young foundation,” Membou said. “I feel like adding me to it, the work I’m going to put into this organization, we’re going to be very good up front in the trenches.”

Despite an early trade that shook up the draft, there were no real surprises before the Jets were on the clock.

The first four picks were quarterback Cam Ward, two-way player Travis Hunter, edge rusher Abdul Carter and offensive lineman Will Campbell. Michigan defensive lineman Mason Graham went fifth and Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty sixth.

The Jets could have taken tight end Tyler Warren, who was a big-time weapon for Penn State last season. It was expected that the Jets would pick an offensive player and build around Fields. The Jets’ new brain trust decided Membou was their man.

“We evaluate all those guys and stack them accordingly,” said Mougey, the Jets’ new general manager. “Tyler is a talented player, we feel really good about Armand Membou joining the team.”

Mougey and Glenn are working to build a roster they hope eventually snaps the longest current playoff drought in the four major sports. The Jets have missed the postseason for 14 straight years. There’s still a lot to do.

The Jets go into Day 2 with a second-round pick (No. 42 overall) and third-rounder (No. 73). They could target a tight end, receiver or defensive tackle. Those positions, along with secondary help and a quarterback for the future are the Jets’ biggest needs now.

They’re entrusting Fields to run the offense this season at least. Mougey already said Fields, whom the Jets signed to a two-year, $40 million contract in free agency, would be their Week 1 starter.

Fields is only 26. If he plays well, he could be the Jets’ quarterback next season and beyond. Membou, who didn’t allow a sack last year, has little doubt he’ll help Fields and this offense go.

“I’d say they’re getting a mauler for sure,” Membou said. “A mauler in the run game and pass pro, someone very consistent. I’m going to make sure to keep my quarterback clean.”

Two-minute drill

Glenn was asked about Aaron Rodgers saying he wasn’t shown “ample respect” when he was told the Jets were going in another direction. Glenn deflected the question and kept the focus on the draft. “Membou’s a really good player,” Glenn said, “and I’m so excited that he’s a Jet.” . . . Mougey denied rumors that the Jets were fielding calls for running back Breece Hall. “I haven’t had any talks with any teams about Breece Hall,” Mougey said. “He’s on the team.”

ARMAND MEMBOU

Position: OT

Height/Weight: 6-4, 332

College: Missouri

Class: Junior

The Jets filled a major need at starting right tackle with this pick. Membou, who played mostly guard in high school, transitioned successfully to tackle at Mizzou. He did not allow a sack or quarterback hit in 411 pass-blocking sets last season, according to Pro Football Focus. Membou only gave up three sacks in three seasons.