This ‘Rare Specimen’ Could Be O-Lineman Patriots Need In Draft

Missouri Tigers head coach Eliah Drinkwitz vividly recalled offensive lineman Armand Membou’s first career start.

“That was a really good football team, dynamic players on the defensive line,” Drinkwitz told NESN.com while reflecting on a mid-November matchup against a fifth-ranked Tennessee team with a defense anchored by future NFL defensive end Byron Young.

“We were extremely concerned, especially on the road and in that environment.”

Ultimately, it didn’t go well for the sub-.500 Tigers, who were on the wrong side of a 66-24 blowout in front of 101,915 fans at a sold-out Neyland Stadium. But Drinkwitz and company departed Knoxville convinced they had their right tackle spot solidified.

With Membou solidifying the Tigers up front, Mizzou won 23 of its next 28 contests over two-plus seasons, earning national recognition in consecutive campaigns.

Drinkwitz believes Membou will have the same impact on whichever team drafts him in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. That team, Drinkwitz insists, won’t feel like they need to pencil him in on the right side, either. The head coach is confident Membou could play across the line, including guard or even left tackle.

The ability to play left tackle, where he was cross-trained at Missouri, could make the 6-foot-4, 332-pound Membou an option for the New England Patriots — even at No. 4. The 20-year-old’s physical traits are head-turning.

“Power and athleticism are his two biggest strengths,” said Drinkwitz, noting Membou ran the fastest 40-yard dash of any offensive tackles (4.91) and had the highest athleticism score at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine.

He is really, really dynamic. A rare specimen.

“He’s very powerful when he gets his hands on you. That’s why he can play both guard and tackle at the next level,” Drinkwitz said. “He is really, really dynamic. A rare specimen.”

Membou was named to Bruce Feldman’s “Freaks List,” given a 10-yard time (1.63) and 20-yard time (2.80) while running 20 mph at the NFL scouting combine. Those measurables and others caused Membou’s draft stock to skyrocket. On top of that, only one offensive lineman performed better in the bench press, too,

“He’s got tremendous size, he’s got great power and he really knows how to play,” NFL Media’s offensive line expert Brian Baldinger said following the combine. “There’s nothing really not to like about him. I guess you just have to decide, is he going to be your Pro Bowl guard or is he going to be your Pro Bowl tackle? But I think he has that type of potential.”

Membou played right tackle at Missouri because that was where the Tigers needed him, Drinkwitz said.

Javon Foster was heading into his third season at Mizzou when Membou got to Columbia. After the Jacksonville Jaguars selected Foster in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Missouri went into the transfer portal and added Marcus Bryant, the best lineman available. Bryant, an All-AAC First-Team honoree, only played left tackle at SMU.

“It wasn’t anything other than doing what was best for the team,” Drinkwitz said. “I think that’s what’s so remarkable about Armand — he’s not selfish. He’s about the team and whatever the team needs he’s going to be able to do.”

It’s a risk to draft a college right tackle and hope to flip him to the left side in the NFL. It didn’t work out well for New England, who did that exact thing with 2024 third-round pick Caedan Wallace. After playing right tackle for Penn State opposite 2024 first-round pick Olu Fashanu, Wallace couldn’t carve out a consistent role in his rookie season.

The Patriots filled their short-term need at right tackle this offseason by signing veteran Morgan Moses to a three-year, $24 million deal. Wallace is likely a backup or swing option. New England doesn’t need another right tackle — it needs someone to protect Drake Maye’s blindside.

“Anything he puts his mind to he’ll be able to do, but there’s no doubt the athleticism is there, the ability is there,” Drinkwitz said.

Membou’s former coach isn’t the only one who believes he can make the switch. NFL draft analysts like Yahoo Sports’ Nate Tice also think the Second Team All-SEC honoree can play on the left edge. It comes down to his traits.

Membou allowed three sacks in 2,099 career snaps at Missouri (1,036 pass-blocking snaps), per Pro Football Focus. He did not allow a single sack in 411 pass-blocking snaps during the 2024 campaign.

His past production and future potential are why Drinkwitz believes he’s the top offensive tackle prospect in the class. Many NFL draft experts agree, especially after LSU product Will Campbell did not exceed the 33-inch arm length threshold at the combine.

NFL Media’s Daniel Jeremiah and ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. have since predicted Membou will be the first offensive tackle selected in their latest mock drafts. The Athletic’s Dane Brugler, who loves Membou, listed him as the No. 8 prospect even before the combine.

“My belief in Armand is based off of his ability to continue to grow and get better,” Drinkwitz said. “His best football is still ahead of him. He’s proven to be an elite player at the collegiate level, but there’s still a lot left in that tank to grow and develop.

“And my belief would be if you’re (Patriots) drafting at the No. 4 spot, you would want a player who not only is elite, but has room to grow. That’s when you draft Hall of Famers, you don’t want guys that are tapped out. He’s clearly got plenty left inside.”

It could help Membou solidify a spot on the outside in New England.