The talk of New York Jets training camp has been the battle between New York’s two brightest stars in the trenches: right tackle Armand Membou and edge rusher David Bailey.
Membou, the seventh overall pick in the 2025 draft, has frequently squared off against Bailey, the second overall pick in this year’s draft. You know the cliche: “Iron sharpens iron,” and it applies here. Both 22-year-olds have gotten their share of victories.
During Monday’s session, Bailey beat Membou with an inside move for what appeared to be a likely “sack” on Geno Smith.
After practice, Membou broke down his scouting report of Bailey from the pair’s early matchups.
“It’s been a pain, man. He’s a great player, man. He’s smooth, he’s quick. He’s got a natural ability to rush the passer. It’s been a good matchup going against him,” said Membou.
Membou is coming off a standout rookie season that has him poised to become one of the NFL’s best right tackles in 2026. He earned a 72.7 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, ranking 14th among 32 qualified right tackles and second among rookie offensive linemen.
On top of his impressive numbers, Membou caught the attention of people around the league; in a survey of scouts, executives, and coaches ranking the top 10 tackles in the NFL, Membou was among those who received votes. An NFL coordinator told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, “He can be the best run-blocker in the league,” per an NFL coordinator. “Just a big, long, powerful man.”
Bailey, on the other hand, is looking to make an immediate impact after being tabbed as the first non-quarterback selected in the 2026 NFL draft. He led collegiate pass rushers in sacks (14.5) and total pressures (83) during the 2025 season and is looking to translate that impact to a Jets pass rush that ranked 31st with 26 sacks last season.
There’s nothing more valuable on the practice field than honing your craft against high-quality competition, and both young players seem to be enjoying that luxury in Florham Park.
