Things have been quiet around the league as free agency has simmered down. Teams wait for veteran quarterbacks to make their decisions so the other dominos can fall into place. Regardless of what the Cleveland Browns do with the rest of free agency this year, the team must draft young talent for the offensive tackle position. This year's offensive tackle class isn't nearly as talented as last year's, but there are still some guys worth taking a chance on.
Missouri right tackle Armand Membou is the number one tackle on my big board and the 10th overall prospect. There is a conversation to be held about whether or not Membou could move to the left side. He has the speed and athleticism to hold up, but if you decide to keep him on the right side, he can be a great player. The Browns currently don't have a long-term starter nailed down for either side of the offensive line, so Membou should absolutely be on their radar.
Membou played college football at Lee's Summit High School in Missouri. He was a four-star recruit as an offensive guard. Although he had offers from other schools, such as Iowa and Oregon, he stayed in Missouri and played for the Tigers. Membou played some as a true freshman but became the full-time right tackle in 2023. Membou doesn't turn 21 until March, and if Cleveland wanted to keep him at right tackle, he could use 2o25 to learn from one of the best right tackles, in his prime, in Jack Conklin, to have him ready to take over the role in 2026.
For all clips Membou is at right tackle and wears number 79
Measurements and Testing:
6'4", 332 lbs, 33-½" Arms, 9-¾" Hands
40 Time: 4.91 with a 1.74 10-yard split. Broad Jump: 11'5". Vertical Jump: 34". Bench Press (225lbs): 31 reps. Relative Athletic Score: 9.82 out of 10.
Armand Membou By the Numbers:
2022: 312 snaps. Four quarterback pressures allowed and one sack. 66.4 PFF run-blocking grade.
2023: 803 snaps. 13 quarterback pressures allowed and two sacks. 63.4 PFF run-blocking grade.
2024: 827 snaps. Eight quarterback pressures allowed and zero sacks. 87.6 PFF run-blocking grade.
Strengths:
Mover in the run game with great power
Quick Feet and Great Athleticism
Mauler Mentality
The first thing that sticks out when you watch Armand Membou's tape is his mauler mentality and attitude. He wants to get in your face on over-rep and dictate how that snap plays out. He doesn't get overly aggressive and lunge, resulting in missing, but he wants to get his hands on a defender as soon as possible. Watching Membou in the run game will remind Cleveland Browns fans of Wyatt Teller; he will put you into the dirt. He is a real move and clears out the rushing lanes for his running backs. Membou isn't going to be scared of a star player lining up opposite him; he welcomes the challenge.
His movement skills are almost equally impressive, and they show up in pass protection and run blocking. As a pass blocker, he does a great job mirroring defenders, keeping them in front of him, and not giving them an easy way to get around him on either side. Membou wins against both power rushers and speed rushers, and if you let him get his hands into your chest, it is over. He is in control now. As a run blocker, he does a great job in wide zone schemes, moving outside and climbing to the second level to seal off the rushing lanes for his runners. He could find a good amount of success in a Kevin Stefanski offense at the next level.
Weaknesses:
Can be tardy with his hand and when dealing with speed-to-power guys
Hand placement can be inconsistent
The biggest issues with Membou's game are related to his hand usage in certain situations. When he does these things right, he is great but can be inconsistent. When he is dealing with pass rushers who can switch between speed and power, he can hesitate a little to readjust his hands, which can result in getting pushed back or the defender getting by him; this is something he needs to clean up at the next level. Considering he is only 21 years old and has shown improvement every year, this seems like something an NFL team will be able to help him figure out.
Membou is powerful, gets in front of guys quickly, and can win reps with some of his natural traits. However, his hand placement isn't always where it needs to be. He's a bigger guy but can play with a lower pad level and get better hand placement. He could be an elite NFL run blocker for a long time. Fixing hand placement and leverage would also help him in the passing game. Overall, the most significant concerns I have are things that can be coached because, talent-wise, he has precisely what he needs to be a starting NFL tackle.