The phrase “The New York Jets future is bright” has once again hit some circles. While it feels like a lifetime ago, it was only four years ago that the team had two top-ten picks win Rookie of the Year and looked to be a quarterback away from ending a decade-long playoff drought. However, success is never guaranteed. Now only one remains.
While the duo of cornerback Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner and wide receiver Garrett Wilson no longer share a locker room this Summer, Wilson still hopes to see the Jets succeed. In the midst of a 15-year playoff drought, there’s a sense of long-term optimism in the air. This time, the Jets future really does have hope, thanks to one underrated duo in particular.
This Duo Can Define Jets Future for the Next Decade
Even though they aren’t in playoff contention, the Jets front office has taken some promising steps. Whether it leads to wins (and potentially saves head coach Aaron Glenn’s job) is to be determined. But the return of Geno Smith brought optimism to the Jets passing game. New York addressed major defensive needs via multiple transactions. Via the trades/signings of defensive lineman T’Vondre Sweat and David Onyemata. Or the selections of edge rusher David Bailey and cornerback D’Angelo Ponds, the Jets could even create turnovers. Bygolly, fans might even witness an interception again.
Since taking over as general manager, Darren Mougey has added several players within the first 100 picks in the last two NFL Drafts. He’s addressed Aaron Glenn’s defense with the selection of Bailey and Ponds this year, along with drafting cornerback Azareye’h Thomas in the third round of 2025. However, I want to focus on the offense. Especially a duo of recent first-round picks who can be important for the Jets future.
Young, Talented Offensive Tackles are Crucial for the Jets Success Long Term
Armand Membou
Last year, the duo of Glenn and Mougey used their first draft pick on an offensive tackle. While some were stunned to see a defensive guy like Glenn opt for the other side of the ball, it was always his intention. While spending three seasons with the Detroit Lions, he saw firsthand how 2021 seventh overall pick Penei Sewell evolved into one of the best offensive tackles in the league. Then, in his first season as a head coach, he took a right tackle at the very same pick and hopes lightning strikes twice. Thus far, it may be paying off.
From the University of Missouri, fans were introduced to Armand Membou. From the University of Missouri, Membou was a three-year starter who showed much promise. But few, outside of Tigers head coach Eli Drinkwitz, could have expected him to take to the league this quickly. Despite the team’s overall struggles, Membou and the offensive line are not to blame. In fact, the team’s entire offensive line started every game this season. Think about it. One of the sport’s physically demanding positions, and all five starters managed to survive a 17-game season together. It’s rare. So rare, in fact, the team became the first to do so since 2023.
Armand Membou was one of only 10 offensive tackles in the NFL to record 1,000+ snaps with an overall PFF grade above 70 during the regular season 💪
Some debut season ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/OPpKzXuoDJ
— New York Jets UK & IE (@NYJetsinUKandIE) January 15, 2026
Along with being healthy, Membou was efficient. So efficient, ESPN graded Membou ninth in run block win rate. As a rookie. Correction: as a 21-year-old rookie. Pro Football Focus graded him the number two rookie offensive lineman. Such a performance led to Membou being named to the All-Rookie Team. Along with the 14th-best-graded right tackle. While flashing top-ten run-blocking potential, Membou still has time before reaching his full potential. With over 1,000 snaps already logged in, Membou has the chance to build off it next year.
This season, the right tackle will get to work with experienced offensive coordinator Frank Reich. After winning a Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles, Reich witnessed Lane Johnson become one of the best right tackles in the league. Working closely with Reich can bode well both for Armand Membou and the Jets future as well.
.@JakeAsman asked @MattOLearyNY for a breakout player on the #Jets in 2026:
"Olu Fashanu. Last year, his first full year as a starter, I think he's been solid. Armand Membou got a lot of the attention because of how well he came in and played in year one, but I think we see Olu… pic.twitter.com/WCSZhfir7F
— The Jake Asman Show (@JakeAsmanShow) May 23, 2026
Olu Fashanu
Even though he was drafted the year before their arrival, left tackle Olu Fashanu is also crucial for Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey’s plans. Drafted 11th overall out of Penn State in the 2024 NFL Draft, Olu Fashanu saw limited playing time behind future Hall of Famer Tyron Smith. However, when he did see the field, Fashanu showed immense promise as the left tackle of the future. Lioke Membou, Fashanu started all 17 games last season. PFF ranked Fashanu as the 17th-best left tackle in his first full season as a starter, along with the 15th-best pass-blocking grade.
If the Jets future wants to be as bright as they hope, the team will need to see him continue to branch out. Fortunately, at only 23 years old, time is on the 6’6″ 313-pounder’s side. One thing that will help his pass blocking is if the team can get the ball out faster. Last season, quarterback Justin Fields indecisiveness and lack of read progression led to extended time in the pocket.
His weakness as a downfield threat led to unnecessary sacks. Now, he’ll be aided by a veteran starter in two-time Pro Bowler Geno Smith. Smith will get the ball out much faster, and hopefully into the hands of Garrett Wilson. Or perhaps one of the team’s first-round picks, wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. and tight end Kenyon Sadiq. Both of whom should have promising futures with the Jets as well.
Fashanu and Membou Success Will Be Deciding Factor for the 2027 Offseason
Making the playoffs won’t be in the cards this year. But an important step for the Jets future success is tied to the development of Armand Membou and Olu Fashanu. For the duo to show top-20 offensive tackle production is a big factor in the team’s plans next year. Having bookend tackles under 25 is a big selling point for an offense’s upside. If their health allows it, both Membou and Fashanu can remain in the league for years to come. That kind of foundation, along with retaining star running back Breece Hall, puts New York in position to do something they’ve strived but failed to do: have the pieces for a young quarterback to succeed.
Next offseason could be their best chance to do so. New York will enter the 2027 NFL Draft with three first-round picks. That kind of draft capital provides the team with the capital to move up the board for a top quarterback prospect. The Jets future could see them land a star quarterback that quickly. Imagine New York righting a wrong from the 1997 NFL Draft after Peyton Manning returned to Tennessee when the team picked first overall. Peyton’s (and Eli Manning’s) nephew Arch Manning is the odds-on favorite as of now to go first overall. The Texas quarterback brought excitement to the Longhorns offense. Imagine the third generation of Manning gunslingers throwing to Garrett Wilson?
However, even if it’s not Manning himself, the Jets future can still feature a promising prospect. Can reuniting with Kenyon Sadiq help lure Oregon quarterback Dante Moore to New York? Or perhaps Heisman candidate Julian Sayin from Ohio State? It could be promising for both Sayin and the Jets future, working with an established Buckeyes wide receiver like Wilson. However, those three aren’t their only options. CJ Carr from Notre Dame. South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers. CJ Bailey of the NC State Wolfpack. Or even Miami’s Darian Mensah.
Main Photo: [Matthew Hinton] – Imagn Images
