When the New York Jets drafted Armand Membou with the seventh overall pick in April’s draft, they hoped he could be an immediate starter along the offensive line – the last starter needed to complete what could be one of the best units in football for the foreseeable future.
As with any incoming rookie, adjustment periods are needed. Membou is not only learning a new playbook and system, but he is also learning how to be an NFL player. That kind of adjustment isn’t easy.
Despite all the trials that await Membou, the Jets are clearly high on him. And through the last few weeks of practice, Membou is rewarding that faith with some good work on the field.
Rookie Tackle Impresses At Jets’ Minicamp
Jets head coach Aaron Glenn made it clear when the Jets drafted Membou that the organization was going to allow him to develop at his own pace. They weren’t going to force him into the starting lineup if he wasn’t ready.
Through the first month of offseason workouts and mandatory minicamp, though, Membou has played pretty well. His athleticism is off the charts. He has looked the part of a top-10 pick in the draft.
Glenn couldn’t be happier to see that.
“Membou’s doing outstanding,” Glenn said on Tuesday at minicamp. “He’s working his butt off. He’s learning every day, too.
“I think he’s doing really, really good there. I think it’s just adjusting from, I mean being in Missouri to being here in the NFL and playing against a top-notch rusher he’s been going against week-in and week-out.”
This isn’t to say that Membou has been unbeatable, though. He has had his fair share of trouble against edge rushers like Rashad Weaver and Will McDonald, two athletic freaks in their own realm.
The fact that Membou is getting a crash course with these speed rushers, though, is important. It is going to help him prepare for other edge rushers once meaningful games begin.
New York’s plan for Membou is quite simple. He is joining a young offensive line with stars like Alijah Vera-Tucker working right next to him. If he can produce early like many expect, the Jets’ offensive line can be one of the better groups in the league.
