Three Missouri Tigers heard their name called from the dais in Green Bay over the three days of the 2025 NFL draft. Once the draft concluded, a number of fellow Tigers were also signed to undrafted free agent contracts, adding another page in Missouri’s growing book of NFL production.

Armand Membou (Tackle, No. 7 overall, New York Jets)

Membou shot up draft boards late in the process largely due to his excellent performance at the NFL Combine, where a 4.91 second 40-yard dash and 34-inch vertical propelled him to a placement on the All-Combine team. Membou was an easy pick for the Jets, who allowed 40 sacks in the 2024 season. Although he lacks dominant size, vast technique improvements in the 2024 season compounded with his natural physical abilities have turned him into a high-quality prospect.

The Jets have now taken an offensive lineman with a first- or second-round pick in five of the last six drafts, clearly demonstrating their intentions of building up the trenches. Although New York does not have a clearly defined plan at quarterback, aligning Membou at his natural position of right tackle creates a fearsome duo with 2024 first-round pick Olu Fashanu anchoring the left side to attract future quarterbacks.

Luther Burden III (Wide receiver, No. 39 overall, Chicago Bears)

The once surefire first-round pick slipped to the second round due to concerns about route running and a relative lack of production in his junior season, but stuck the landing in a nearly perfect situation in Chicago. New Bears head coach Ben Johnson was a play-calling wizard in Detroit, heavily contributing to their 15-win regular season in 2024, largely due to his ability to utilize versatile players such as Jameson Williams in unique ways. While Burden does not possess the same downfield threat potential as Williams, his ability to force missed tackles in open space makes him a prime focal point for a Johnson offense.

Burden needs to improve his route running if he wants to be more than a high-tier slot receiver or gadget player in the NFL, but he has the tools and work ethic to put it all together and become a bona fide star. Surrounded by a core of quarterback Caleb Williams, 2025 first round pick Colston Loveland and star wideout DJ Moore, Luther won’t have the burden of high expectations too early in his career, allowing him to grow at a comfortable pace.

Marcus Bryant (Tackle, No. 220 overall, New England Patriots)

Bryant held down the pivotal left tackle position for the Tigers during his lone season in Columbia, starting in every game and rarely leaving the field as a key member of one of the country’s best offensive lines. The Patriots have found their franchise quarterback in Drake Maye and drafted three offensive linemen including Bryant to serve as his protection.

Bryant is a hulking figure on the left side of the pocket, listed at 6-foot-7-inches and 320 pounds. While his size gives him a physical advantage over most edge rushers and defensive linemen, it comes at the cost of agility, making him vulnerable to speed off of the edge. Regardless of his potential agility and speed deficits, he has the size and experience to become a rotation player at the professional level.

Undrafted free agents

Brady Cook (Quarterback, New York Jets)

Cook’s ceiling may be limited due to a lack of arm strength and consistency outside of the pocket, but his rushing ability and overall production while a starter at Missouri made him an attractive UDFA target. The Jets had a weak quarterback room during the draft, and it only weakened further as backup Jordan Travis recently announced his medical retirement. Pairing Cook up with his former tackle in Membou during the offseason is a healthy recipe towards potentially seeing his name on the 53-man roster come September.

Theo Wease Jr. (Wide Receiver, Miami Dolphins)

Wease was another player on the border of being drafted, but despite falling out his talents will be well-utilized in Miami. Head coach Mike McDaniel can unlock Wease’s high-point catching abilities, but behind receivers like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, making the roster is a long shot for Wease.

Nate Noel (Running back, Miami Dolphins)

Noel isn’t a physically imposing running back, but he has the big play potential that makes him a fit in Miami due to McDaniel’s love of the third down running back. In an ideal situation, Noel could become to De’Von Achane what Achane once was to Raheem Mostert in Miami.

Johnny Walker Jr. (Defensive end, Denver Broncos)

The Broncos had one of the NFL’s best defenses last season, but that was primarily a result of their strong secondary. Walker was one of the SEC’s most underrated pass rushers last season, and his talents could lead to earning a roster spot.

Other Missouri UDFAs:

• Cam’Ron Johnson, offensive lineman, Cleveland Browns (rookie minicamp invite)
• Kristian Williams, defensive lineman, Denver Broncos
• Corey Flagg Jr., linebacker, Kansas City Chiefs/Detroit Lions (rookie minicamp invite)
• Trey Flint, long snapper, Kansas City Chiefs (rookie minicamp invite)

Edited by Killian Wright | [email protected]
Copy edited by Alana Sheba and Ava Mohror | [email protected]
Edited by Emily Skidmore | [email protected]